Week 5
We finished hiking through the Smokies this week. The views were breathtaking both on the accent and descent. I realized as I left the Smokies that what I had experienced this last week in the Smokies was a once in a lifetime opportunity. And I am so grateful for all that I have seen and experienced since I’ve began on April 6.
I am sorry to share that I am having to leave the AT tomorrow. I’ve hiked 275 miles and it has been some of the most difficult of the entire trail. My right leg, the one damaged in back surgery eight years ago, has completely quit working. I can hardly raise it over rocks and roots on the trail and because of this, I am tripping and falling frequently. This is dangerous because of the elevation of the trail and rocks on the trail. My effort this week has been to try to use my left leg to lead when hiking. This is not working for I’m still tripping frequently. Then at night the pain is so excruciating that I cannot sleep and get the rest I need to hike a full day on the trail.
I don’t want to leave the trail but cannot continue in the pain and lack of the use of the leg. Going home breaks my heart and spirit. But I have no other choice.
Right now I’m re-evaluating how I can accomplish my goal of a thru-hike. I can section hike the trail and finish 25% this fall and the then hike the remaining sections in three years and finish. I will decide after discussing my leg issues with my doctor
I’m so sorry that I cannot continue. The pain is too great and the danger is too high to continue at this time. Thank you so much for your support and your prayers.