Hit the half way in miles today. Yeeee haw. End of a long 16.6 mile hot day ended at 249 miles so far. Was going to camp at 15 but marginal places and a public campground made it a zoo. Had dinner and decided to head up trail late. 1.5 miles up, to top of ridge and a nice single spot, just for me, and cell signal to boot. A 13.5 hour day.
I have been blessed with great weather, no night Charlie Horses, and no blisters. Three great blessings. Many folks on trail are in pain every step. I can’t even imagine. I have seen some nasty feet, needle and knife operations with layers of tape.
Tending to my Achilles. The tendon running behind your ankle to your heal. Mine have never been happy to be in Colorado, not even a little from day one. They were getting worse every day but I think have balanced out to this routine. When I wake up I slowly bring my toes up and down and stretch them for minimum 10 min. in bed. Pack up internal gear and hobble outside. Can barely take 6” steps, with pain and gingerly go get my bear bag (food hung in tree). Complete packing and they perk up a bit, including some stretches on rocks or a tree. Hit the trail gingerly and they very slowly come around to seeing things my way. I am quite the sight leaving camp. After about a half mile they are ready to go all day full bore. So far, they never disappoint.
