tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61120002944267743092024-03-05T02:58:23.917-05:00Six-Six On The ATThe story of my attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail in one season, 2012 - a 'Thru-Hike'.Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-56673243607451016152012-11-30T13:05:00.003-05:002012-11-30T13:05:25.720-05:00Follow-up from the Dr visitHi -<br />
Here's the latest after my visit with the Dr yesterday. He was extremely pleased with how my surgery site has healed and a little miffed that I am having to deal with the blood clots. He said I am healing so quickly that it wouldn't have been a problem to schedule the second surgery for next week. Oh well.....<br />
<br />
I got my blood drawn first thing, but once again (3rd time) I wasn't on the schedule. Not real happy with the nurse manager from the Vein Clinic that was supposed to put me on the list. And then I get a call saying the testing machine is offline and they will just call with the results. Okay, fine. That was at 9:00 AM. At 4:30 PM she finally calls with the current INR levels - I get to back off the blood thinners as the number is a little higher than desired. <br />
<br />
Good - I can eat a little more of the healthy stuff again. Apparently, leafy greens (especially spinach and kale) are super high in Vitamin K which can negatively affect the blood thinner. Trouble is, I love spinach and leafy greens. Now I guess I can eat a little bit more than none at all.<br />
<br />
Got my flu shot too, just as the news is carrying the story of two deaths in the triad area due to the flu. If you haven't gotten yours yet it's not too late. Get one - especially if you're young, older than 60, or have other health issues that bring down your resistance. Do it for me.<br />
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My doctor also gave me my exercise list - actually it's just a series of stretching motions that are much more basic than what I have already been doing. So now it's to the gym again to get serious about rebuilding my leg strength.<br />
<br />
I am reading a book on the Camino de Santiago: "I'm Off Then," by German TV comedian Hape Kerkeling. (Hans-Peter = HaPe). It's starts slow, but gets better and is turning out to be a pretty good read. I am amused at his description of the difficulty of the camino, especially with my knowledge of the difficulty of the AT. There's no comparison. To make sure, I am looking for an elevation chart for the camino to compare to the chart I have for the AT. It should be interesting to compare the two, side by side.<br />
<br />
I am getting messages and photos from my trail friends that have summited Katahdin. I am so envious and happy for them. I am also working on my 4th video, combing through all the videos and photos I took on the trail. I hope you are enjoying that effort.<br />
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Thanks and Happy Trails -<br />
<br />
Bob<br />
(Six-Six) <br />
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<br />Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-60916067765646753472012-11-28T14:20:00.003-05:002012-11-28T14:21:03.012-05:00Surgery and Rehab updateHello Friends -<br />
<br />
I wanted to give you an update on my surgery and rehab. It's been a bumpier road than I ever expected. I am at the 6 week point following surgery and have followed the recovery plan pretty well: three weeks in a cast immobile, two weeks in a soft boot immobile, and another week in the soft boot beginning to shuffle around. Of course, being me, I pushed the schedule a little bit as long as I felt good. While the surgery went well and the heel seems to have healed properly, it was the blood clots that really threw me for a loop. As fit as I am/was, blood clots were not on my radar screen. But apparently, the thinking now is that I had them prior to the surgery. They might have initially formed when I came home to let my Plantar Fasciitis heal - that change from high activity to low activity may have been what started the clotting in my right leg. If that's the case, I hiked two hundred more miles on it before ending my hike at Harper's Ferry.<br />
<br />
So tomorrow I have a morning full of doctor appointments. I will get my blood drawn first thing, then go see my foot doctor and find out how the heel surgery has progressed, then I'll go to the vein clinic where I'll have the results of the blood test and see how my blood thinning level is for this month. I will find out what the plan is to allow the blood clots to dissolve and keep my blood thinned to keep new blood clots from forming. Finally tomorrow I'll go ahead and get my flu shot. I was supposed to get it a month ago but put it off.<br />
<br />
What I really want to get out of the day is an exercise schedule that is agreed upon by both my surgeon and my vein clinic. I want know what I can do safely do to allow my leg to recover and still get back into some decent shape. While the surgery was on my heel and my ankle is still swollen, the only place that has some discomfort are my knees. They are very weak and as I shuffle around the house I feel like I'm constantly in danger of the knee folding and collapsing. So once I find out from the doctor what my limits are in regards to exercise it will be my knees I will focus on. I am really looking forward to it. Sitting around the house, eating and sitting and eating and sitting has caused me to put almost all the weight back on that I lost during the hike. I am not too thrilled about that and look forward to some real exercise and getting my weight down again. <br />
<br />
I just wanted to fill you in and let you know my plan is still to return to the trail next spring.<br />
<br />
Now the question is whether to start over again at Springer or go back to Harper's Ferry and continue north onto Mount Katahdin. More on that decision process another day.<br />
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I hope you are enjoying the videos I have been building. There are so many photos to choose from, it's difficult to leave any out.<br />
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Happy trails,<br />
Bob<br />
(Six-Six) Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-76968351577135258102012-11-24T01:30:00.000-05:002012-11-24T01:30:22.970-05:00Six-Six on the AT 2012 - Video Segment 3Six-Six on the AT - video segment 3. I think I'm getting the hang of this video production software. I hope you like this. By the way, I have switched from YouTube to Vimeo for my video hosting services.<br />
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Happy Trails,<br />
<br />
Bob Ziegler<br />
(Six-Six)<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/54174991?badge=0" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/54174991">Six-Six on the Appalachian Trail 2012 - Segment 3</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user14219179">Robert Ziegler</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-61176745103556134292012-11-18T18:06:00.001-05:002012-11-24T10:11:04.778-05:00Six-Six on the AT 2012 - Segment 2Going through some more photos and videos. Here's the second segment for your viewing pleasure.<br />
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Happy Trails,<br />
Bob Ziegler<br />
(Six-Six on the AT)<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Bn-9ZMFvRxI" width="853"></iframe>Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-59505886739671605582012-11-16T17:23:00.004-05:002012-11-16T17:25:37.936-05:00Six-Six on the AT 2012 - Segment 1I am making progress on editing and selecting from my hundreds of photographs taken while I hiked the Appalachian Trail. This is just the first installment. There will be several more to come. Segment 1 begins with my planning and preparation for the trail and runs through the first two major milestones on the trail: Blood Mountain and Neel's Gap. Enjoy. There's more to come, soon.<br />
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Happy Trails<br />
Bob<br />
(Six-Six)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/86G8Mf3BVMg" width="560"></iframe>Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-13396482118554342002012-11-13T21:34:00.000-05:002012-11-13T21:35:22.741-05:00Post-Operative Recovery and then there were ClotsNovember 13, 2012<br />
<br />
It's been a while since my last blog post. I have some pictures to show you, so I thought it might be time for an update on my recovery process. As you remember, I developed severe blisters on my heels during the final 200 miles of my AT hike. I made the decision to have the bone spurs removed by surgery, one at a time. I did the first one - the right heel - last month. The surgery went well. The bone was chiseled down and ground smooth. The Achilles tendon only had to be retracted by about 15%. Recovery was going well until we discovered I had developed blood clots - deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from my ankle to the back of my knee. It was a real complication that threw me for a loop.<br />
<br />
Now I am on blood thinners to reduce the chance of the clots increasing or additional clots forming. I have to wait 3 months to make sure no more clots form and the current clots dissolve on their own. Needless to say, the second surgery is out of the question for now, if not permanently. At least I got the worst one done. I think I can deal with the left heel, as small as the protrusion is for now.<br />
<br />
As of today, my heel has almost completely recovered from the surgery. I have two more weeks before I can really put pressure on the leg and begin the physical therapy required to regain my strength and walking/hiking capabilities. The ankle and foot are swollen from the effects of the clot(s), but that will fade with time I am told. In the meantime the swelling will just have to come along for the ride.<br />
<br />
It was a real shock learning about these clots. But looking back, they may have formed initially when I got off the trail to recover from the Plantar Fasciitis. Apparently one of the causes of blood clots is a dramatic change from activity to inactivity and that's exactly what I did while waiting for the PF to heal. As pissed off as I am for this turn of events - after all, this was an ELECTIVE surgery that I chose for convenience sake - family and friends keep reminding me that were it not for the surgery I might not have learned of the clots before they became more of a threat. Oh well, the search for a silver lining is always ongoing.<br />
<br />
So here I am, trying to enjoy the boring rest and recovery while I wait for my body to heal. Still, I am visiting the gym every other day to work on my upper body and that uses up some pent-up energy.<br />
<br />
Here's the updated plan of action, assuming my recovery goes as expected:<br />
<ul>
<li>In May of 2013 I will go to Damascus, Va. to attend the Appalachian Trail 'Trail Days' festival. From there I will get a shuttle ride up-trail to Harper's Ferry where I left off. I will then hike north-bound the remaining 1,184 miles to Mt. Katahdin and complete my AT adventure.</li>
<li>In the Spring of 2014 I am making plans to travel to Europe to hike an extended version of the Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James). It is a set of pilgrimage trails, beginning wherever you want, and ending in the town of Compostello de Santiago in Spain. The typical camino is about 750 kilometers long, starting in St Jean Pied de Port in France. But I plan to start in Germany, travel through Belgium and France before connecting to the traditional camino trail in St Jean.</li>
<li>I have not yet picked a journey for 2015. Any ideas?</li>
</ul>
Here are some photos from my surgical journey for your 'Ick-factor' and pleasure.......<br />
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Happy Trails.<br />
<br />
Two weeks in a cast - time to be free <br />
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The vibrating saw actually tickles... <br />
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All the padding has to be cut away...<br />
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7 or 8 stitches, but the wound looks good, healing properly...<br />
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Getting rid of the stitches, one at a time - first a good cleaning...<br />
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Then snip snip snip...looks good.<br />
<br />Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-72245438094329878782012-09-26T10:31:00.000-04:002012-09-26T10:31:00.875-04:00Surgery over the winterHi friends -<br />
Here's the latest:<br />
<br />
I visited with my GP last week with good results. My doctor is so pleased with my physical condition and lab results that he has taken me off all regular meds. My numbers are all normal and my weight loss is stable at minus 25 pounds. He says I have the physical shape of a 45 year old. Not bad for 60, right? Except for my feet that is.<br />
<br />
I met with my podiatrist yesterday and he agrees that surgery is the final solution to the bone protrusions on the backs of my heels. But, he won't do them both on the same day. First the right foot, followed by 3 weeks immobile and 3 weeks in a boot, followed by physical therapy. Once the 6 weeks have past, we will do the left foot, followed by the same 3/3/PT pattern. This will get it all done by the end of the year and let me have 5 full months to get back into shape for the second 1,000 miles of the AT starting in May.<br />
<br />
We haven't set the date yet but it will be in two or three weeks. In the meantime I have a short window to do some more traveling and visiting family and friends before I am down for a while. The good news with being laid up is the chance to do some photo editing and posting my pictures and videos of the trail on the blog. That will keep me busy for a while. Then there's my book - a civil war ghost story - that I have started a dozen times before. Maybe I can get it out of my head and onto the computer.<br />
<br />
Have you seen the movie "The Way" with Martin Sheen? It's about the Camino de Santiago that goes from France to near the coast of northern Spain. It's on my list of things to do in 2014. Anybody want to join me? It's easier and shorter than the AT and an inexpensive way to see Europe. Check it out - I would welcome the company if anyone is seriously interested.<br />
<br />
That's it for now - time to hit the road for Knoxville.<br />
<br />
Happy trails,<br />
<br />
Bob Ziegler<br />
(Six-Six on the AT)<br />
<br />Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-45632196652615337552012-09-12T20:00:00.000-04:002012-09-12T20:00:44.984-04:00Decision TimeHi friends - <br />
It's time to decide what to do about continuing my adventure on the Appalachian Trail.<br />
<br />
I really have two choices:<br />
<ol>
<li>Grab my winter gear now and hurry up to Mt Katahdin in Maine and hike southbound to finish my thru-hike where I left off at Harper's Ferry, WVa.</li>
<li>Call it a year for now, recoup my strength and heal my feet, and return to the trail next year at Harper's Ferry and finish the last 1000 miles northbound to Mt Katahdin.</li>
</ol>
I have decided to halt my hike and finish next year. Here are some other considerations that helped me make my decision, both physical and psychological:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>While my Plantar Fasciitis did not return during my second stint on the trail, other foot issues arose that make hiking painful and may be causing damage. I have two bone spurs or calcium deposits on the back of each heel that for some reason created huge open blisters this time, as opposed to the first 700 miles. It got so bad that I took a knife and cut two holes in the back of my shoes to give these protrusions room without rubbing. I also have developed some nerve damage in my toes, both from the Morton's Neuroma in each foot, but also some nerve degeneration causing numbness in my toes. Needless to say, my feet are a mess right now and hiking isn't helping them get better. I want to discuss surgical options with my doctors and see if we can fix these problems during the winter months.</li>
<li>I have planned for this hike for more than 5 years, all with idea of starting in Georgia and ending on top of that mountain in Maine, clutching the sign and signifies the end of the trail. I just cannot seem to come to grips with touching that sign in the middle of the hike and turning south to finish at a stone building in the middle of the trail. I want to finish at that sign and know that I am at the trail's end. I can't do that by flip-flopping my hike just to finish it all in one season. The trail will always be there and whether I finish it all in one season or it takes portions of two or more, I am still committed to finishing the entire trail.</li>
</ul>
So, I am still very proud of the fact that I have hiked 1,000 miles of the Appalachian Trail so far. And I am happy to pause my adventure on my terms and not because of an injury. When I got off the trail, all I wanted to do was quicken my recovery and get back on. But as I was nearing Harper's Ferry, all I could think of was all the other things I needed to do or wanted to do after I stopped hiking. That in itself was a strong signal that I should give the hike a rest for a while. I still like hiking and backpacking and camping. I want to do some more during my off months if my foot issues permit. <br />
<br />
I have still lost about 35 pounds and feel very fit. I am also committed to not overeat now while my physical exertion winds down, causing me to regain the lost weight. I do like seeing my toes instead of my gut first again. I like this weight loss and don't want to revert to my old ways.<br />
<br />
Well, there it is - my decision - mine alone, after all, it's my hike. Stay tuned. I will keep you up to date on my foot issues as options are explored and plans are made for my return to the Appalachian Trail next spring. When I do, I will have made some gear changes that will lighten my hiking load by several pounds. More on that later in some future posts.<br />
<br />
As I get access to my main computer I will put together a photo montage of all the pictures from Springer Mtn to Harper's Ferry. Look forward to that - there are some great shots you have yet to see.<br />
<br />
Happy trails, y'all. More later.<br />
<br />
Six-Six on the AT<br />
Bob Ziegler<br />
<br />
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Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-48132735412945430742012-09-08T08:59:00.002-04:002012-09-08T09:00:03.163-04:00Bear's Den HostelHi y'all -<br />
No signal, low batteries, slow computers and all have contributed to not posting regularly lately. This will be short as the bandwidth on this puter will not allow the upload of photos. So,<br />
<br />
I am at the Bear's Den Hostel, just 20 miles south of Harper's Ferry, WVa. It's in the middle of what's known as the 'Roller Coaster' section of the mountains - it's a constant change from uphill to downhill and back again over 15 or so miles. I did the first 10 miles of it to get to this hostel and it kicked my behind. But the reward has been worth it - the hostel special includes a bunk, shower, soda, pizza, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, and a wonderful old stone building to stay in. Now, considering that there's a storm coming in and I didn't get much sleep at all last night, I am going to stay another night and let the weather pass. Besides, this is the best hostel on the trail - owned and operated by the ATC itself. You will have to wait for pictures, but trust me - it's really neat. And, you don't have to be an AT hiker to visit or stay.<br />
<br />
For the past 7 days I have been hiking in the Shenandoahs. For all but one or two days it has rained all or part of the day or night - when it wasn't raining it was clouded or fogged in and the trees were dripping as much as the rain itself. Everything is wet and remains wet - I smell, my clothes smell, my pack smells, and even my food smells of mildew and such. So, to be here at the hostel and have a chance to wash and dry everything is a real treat. I don't smell anymore.<br />
<br />
My feet are swollen from the roller coaster hiking, the blisters are healing, and there's no sign of the Plantar Fasciitis returning. I will have to post pictures of my solution to the blister problem - cutting two big holes in the back of my new hiking shoes. Hey - it's a custom shoe!<br />
<br />
So - two days to Harper's Ferry and arrival on my birthday. I plan on taking the train to DC, then Amtrak to High Point. At that point I must decide - on to Maine to flip-flop my thru-hike, or call it a year and finish the trail next year. I change my mind every mile it seems.<br />
<br />
That's it for now - more pictures to come when I get to a faster computer.<br />
<br />
Happy trails!<br />
<br />
Six-SixBob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-76646893337879468872012-08-25T10:57:00.001-04:002012-08-25T10:57:13.005-04:00First week back after PFSaturday, August 25 - in Waynesboro, Va - at mile marker 856 on the AT.<br />
<br />
After about two months of rehab and recovery from my bout with Plantar Fasciitis, I returned to the trail last Friday where I dropped off - Glasgow, Va. Kevin drove me to the trailhead and dropped me off where the James River footbridge met US 501. Thanks to Kevin, Crystal, and the kids Robert and Jez for putting up with me while I nursed my foot.<br />
<br />
After almost two months layoff, I found out quickly just how out of trail shape I had become in that short period of time. The first 3 miles were a pretty steep steady climb that had my thighs burning and my lungs panting for air. After the first climb, there were two more peaks to get over before reaching the next shelter at mile marker 789 - Punchbowl Shelter. I had seen several day-hikers during the day, but I spent the night alone as there were no other hikers staying there. Needless to say, I was pretty much spent and slept soundly the night through.<br />
<br />
The next day was another 10 miler, but mostly ridge-running ups and downs to the next shelter, Brown Mountain Creek Shelter, at mile 799. Somewhere along the way, I past the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest for the 7th time on the AT.<br />
<br />
Just these two 10 mile days seemed to wipe me out and I had little energy the next morning. So, for the first time during my trip, I simply stayed put at a shelter and spent the day doing gear adjustments, resting, and reading a book that was left there by a previous hiker.<br />
<br />
Now fully rested, I did a big day on Monday, - a full 16 miles on to Seeley-Woodworth Shelter. Blisters! Blisters on both heels. BUT, there's still no sign of a return of the Plantar Fasciitis. So, I can deal with the blisters.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, I did another big day, 15 miles, and climbed one of the steeper peaks on the trail - over the "Priest Mtn" up to 4000 feet. It's a good thing I was going north, because the southbound trail over the Priest was even steeper. Water was scarce along the way and I got a little dehydrated, nursing my water bottles till I got to the Paul Wolfe Shelter.<br />
<br />
This was one of the best shelters and campsites I have seen - enough for dozens of campers, boy scouts/discovery groups and such. I met three girls from UVA who were out for a weekend hike - and a retired aerospace engineer who proceeded to clean everyone's stove burners. He liked to fix things.<br />
<br />
Finally it was a short day into the wonderful little town of Waynesboro, Va where I have spent the past two days. It's a great town that I want to return someday for sure.<br />
<br />
As I type this, I am waiting for my new hiking companion, Castaway, to wake up after a night of partying with the two Belgian boys that came in yesterday. We are headed back to the trail to get through the Shenandoahs. I am looking forward to the next 120 miles. Maybe I can get some good pictures of some bears along the way.<br />
<br />
So, back on the trail - all is well. My blisters still hurt, but I can deal with that. Thanks for keeping up with my adventure - more later when I get to another computer at a town up the trail.<br />
<br />
Happy Trails!Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-86807691918172421102012-08-16T11:40:00.001-04:002012-08-16T11:40:48.133-04:00On the trail again....tomorrow.Well, yesterday and today have been devoted to packing up the clothes and stuff that I have been using for the past two months. I will finish this afternoon, taking stuff back to the storage unit where I have all my household goods. Spare hiking gear and other essentials will stay with Susan in case I need them shipped to me. <br />
<br />
I have taken care of a lot of little things - car inspection, registration renewal, driver's license renewal, voter registration change of address, etc. It's all gone pretty smoothly, but it does take time.<br />
<br />
Early in the morning, Kevin (my son) and I will head for Glasgow to drop me off at the trail crossing and then off I go.<br />
<br />
It's been a strange two months -<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>being forced off the trail by injury was depressing - I missed the trail very much in those first couple of weeks. It's eased off, but I still remember how much fun I had out there and am looking forward to returning.</li>
<li>The Plantar Fasciitis was a new medical term for me. Just something else to learn about. I did aggressively treat the injury - more so than others might have been able to - stretching, icing, massage. Then there was the cortizone shot and the prescription NSAIDS, the therapeutic massage, followed by the SAIDs. It seems to have worked, causing me to recover faster than others with the same injury.</li>
<li>I appreciate the support of family and friends during my stay - Kevin and Crystal, Robert and Jez have been wonderful to let me stay with them. Others have been so encouraging while I push through this setback. I am grateful for all.</li>
<li>I was saddened to hear of the loss of a couple of friends while I was here - Van and Jack, both long-time Red Cross volunteers. And a good radio friend lost his wife quite suddenly. All reminders that there is life, love, and loss everyday even while I am isolated away on the trail (mentally and physically).</li>
</ul>
And now it's time to get back out there and try again. I've explained the plan already, so there's no reason to repeat myself - again. <br />
<br />
It will be a week or more before I can update this blog, but when I do a lot of questions will be answered. I will be in touch as soon as I can.<br />
<br />
Happy trails,<br />
Bob<br />
(Six-Six)Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-57940098908523075012012-08-13T16:07:00.003-04:002012-08-16T11:41:28.067-04:00On the trail again......Thursday - no, FridayHere we go again - I am headed for the trail on Thursday to give it another try.<br />
<br />
I have accomplished what might be considered a minor miracle - in two months of aggressive treatment, my plantar fasciitis is pretty much gone or under control. After the horror stories I heard about it taking others 6 months or 2 years to recover from a bout of PF, to take only 8 weeks is pretty fantastic. That's not to say it won't come back, but I won't know till I get out there. <br />
<br />
Here's the plan: I will travel to Glasgow, Va. on Thursday, August 16th, and get back on the trail at mile marker 779. From there I will hike north to Harper's Ferry. That's a distance of 238 miles. Assuming I don't have a relapse of the PF, then I will travel north to Maine, climb Mt Katahdin and hike southbound back to Harper's Ferry.<br />
<br />
It's doable - there's still time for decent weather all the way - so let's give it a go. If this works, I can still accomplish my dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail in one season.<br />
<br />
Now to repack and get ready.<br />
<br />
Thanks for all the good wishes and positive thoughts - keep them coming.<br />
<br />
Happy trails!Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-74011199115656896972012-08-02T16:23:00.003-04:002012-08-02T16:23:49.402-04:00Better dayWent hiking again today - at the Eno River State Park north of Durham.
Did a little more than 4 miles - feet felt a lot better today, it's the
rest of me that is sore from yesterday - a good sore. I am going to
keep working the kinks out and see how it goes - I AM NOT DONE YET!Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-36480350138970150772012-08-01T20:44:00.002-04:002012-08-01T20:44:45.491-04:00The word for the day is......&#$%Second day - the word for today is frustrating .....or pissed-off ....or unsure .....or OUCH - okay so that's several words of the day.<br />
<br />
After yesterday's easy hike without too much discomfort, I kicked it up a big notch by going to Hanging Rock State Park. There's a 4.2 mile loop trail that goes to the top of the ridge and an old fire tower. The trail starts off easy for the first mile or so, then starts up the mountain to the ridge line. There's lots of rocks, gravel, and tree roots. Once the climb starts the elevation change is probably 800 feet over the last 1.5 miles. At some sections it's fairly steep climbing. <br />
<br />
I wasn't really surprised that I had lost my hiking trim so quickly after coasting for the past 6 weeks. The legs were sore and the knees got to aching, but what I was there for was to test the feet. Ouch! It took only an hour for the pain in my left foot (heel) to start up. That was the Plantar Fasciitis resurfacing. Then the right foot started acting up - that was the Morton's Neuroma starting to burn. I made it through to the end, but all I can think is if it starts to hurt like this after only a couple of miles, what would it be like after a 15 mile day? Or several days? <br />
<br />
I iced it down when I got back to the house and will stretch and massage it again before bed, but in the vernacular - WTH???<br />
<br />
I am going to give it one more day, a long one, and see for sure. If it starts hurting to where I start to limp, I will have to consider myself done for the season. <br />
<br />
So there it is, straight up. I'm going to go have some MM-46 the same way.Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-53133762353152650932012-07-31T13:25:00.000-04:002012-07-31T13:25:11.304-04:00First test of 4 miles - only a little discomfortThere's a nice trail around Hagen-Stone State Park south of Greensboro. It's pretty level, with just a couple of mild climbs and descents. I put on my backpack (loaded with about 30 pounds) and took off on the longest trail available (only about 4 miles). An hour and a half later, I had worked up a good sweat and got my breathing up. I had a little discomfort in my feet (both of them actually) but nothing major. So far, so good. When I got back to the truck I immediately took off the shoes and socks and stretched/massaged both feet.<br />
<br />
Now an hour later the left heel is a little tender and the right foot is sore where the old neuroma is acting up. I am going to soak them both in ice water first, then massage them again. But, at this point, I don't feel anything that would keep me from returning to the AT. <br />
<br />
Tomorrow I will drive to Stone Mountain State Park where there are some steep climbs and descents on the trail to the back country campsites - that will be a good test for sure.Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-88955700656288382992012-07-30T17:58:00.005-04:002012-07-30T17:59:47.699-04:00The doctor says hike when you feel ready!Here we go -<br />
I have the go-ahead to get back on the trail whenever I feel ready.<br />
<br />
My foot doctor is pleased with my recovery. I have been relatively pain-free for the last week and walking without a limp. He says there is still some tension there, but his recommendation is to continue my stretching exercises in the morning before I start hiking, and again at the end of the day before bed. There's no guarantee that the Plantar Fasciitis won't return, but if it does the response is rest, NSAIDs and stretching. I won't do any permanent damage and can walk/run/hike as much as I want and deal with as much discomfort as I can stand before stopping, if it does return.<br />
<br />
So - here's the plan:<br />
<ol>
<li>Tomorrow is July 31st (Tuesday). I will throw on my backpack and hike around Hagen-Stone Park a few times to put some miles on my feet. If there's no pain, then it's on to step </li>
<li>Wednesday I will increase the difficulty with a hike in Stone Mtn. State Park up to the ridge along the Blue Ridge Parkway. If there's still no pain, then it's on to step</li>
<li>Making firm plans to get to Glasgow, Va and get back on the trail where I left off.</li>
</ol>
There's 238 miles between Glasgow and Harper's Ferry, It will be a good test to see if I can hike without aggravating and re-injuring my foot. If I can make it through those 200+ miles, then the next step will be to travel to Maine, climb Mt. Katahdin, and then hike south-bound back to Harper's Ferry to complete the whole trail within this year.<br />
<br />
I will let you know how it goes tomorrow.Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-1520587726811058082012-07-23T11:33:00.003-04:002012-07-23T11:35:26.143-04:00It's time for an update and some optimism!It's time for an update - and some optimism!!!<br />
<br />
It's been five weeks and a few days since I stumbled and injured my left foot on the trail. A week later I visited my Dr to confirm that the problem was in fact Plantar Fasciitis. I left the office with a Cortisone shot, a prescription for high-powered NSAIDs and an instruction sheet of stretching/massage exercises for the bottom of my foot.<br />
<br />
I was hoping for a quick recovery to get back on the trail and continue my journey north. There were days that I felt like I was getting better and would make it sooner rather than later. And then there were the other days. Once people found out my condition, I was swamped with stories of who else had the same problem and how terribly long it took to recover. The horror stories of lingering pain ranged from months to years. It was all quite depressing. <br />
<br />
A second visit to the doctor brought a change of meds - a full-fledged steroid treatment to speed up the reduction of the inflammation. I also threw in three hour-long deep-tissue massages to help get the kinks out and loosen all those tight muscles in my calf muscles, tendons and foot.<br />
<br />
There were still days of foot pain, but there were days when it seemed like I was actually improving. Feeling a little better, last week I returned to the gym for a little exercise. I concentrated on upper body workouts and to avoid stress on my feet, I took to swimming as my cardio workout. Finally I took advantage of the whirlpool to soak my feet and let the hot water jets do their thing on my sore foot.<br />
<br />
It all seems to be working. The last few days have been better and better. Today I am actually pain free and have been really walking without a limp for the first time. I have a final doctor's appointment for one week from today. I hope I can tell him that the pain has been gone for a several days. If he agrees that I won't have an immediate relapse or do any long-term damage, I am now hoping to return to the AT next week! <br />
<br />
Everyone needs to know how great Crystal, Kevin, Robert and Jess have been to let me stay at their house while I recover. I really appreciate their hospitality, Robert's room and Crystal's cooking!<br />
<br />
There's still time to get the rest of the trail finished this season. I will let you know how things go. Keep your fingers crossed.<br />
<br />
<br />Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-15271810790795767232012-07-09T22:24:00.001-04:002012-07-09T22:24:17.286-04:00I promised an update after my Dr's appointment...Well, there's good news and not so good news. And I'm pretty bummed out at the moment.<br />
<br />
I've been taking my NSAIDs and doing my stretching exercises and icing my foot for the last two weeks. The pain in my heel and plantar fascia has been decreasing, but is not gone. I continue to limp a little, not so much from the pain of walking, but in more of a 'protective' move to avoid the pain of walking. I still can't raise up on the balls of my feet on the left foot without a stabbing pain in the heel. <br />
<br />
But, it's a LOT better that it was two weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Last Friday I had a massage therapist work it over and for a few hours afterwards I walked with no pain and no limp. I have another session scheduled for Wednesday. She said she can have me hiking in two weeks.<br />
<br />
Today I had my follow-up visit with my Podiatrist. He was pleased with my progress, but doesn't want me hiking just yet. Since it's too soon following my cortisone shot for another one, he prescribed a series of Prednizone (steroid anti-inflammatory) and now he wants to see me in ANOTHER THREE WEEKS! If I am not limping then, he said he will sign off on my getting back on the trail. I must continue to stretch the PF, Achilles Tendon, and Calf muscle to get all that tightness out of there.<br />
<br />
I know I like my Massage Therapist's optimism a little more.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, all I can do is dream of getting back on the trail and continuing my AT adventure. And I follow the reports from my hiking friends with great envy as they continue to hike north and get further and further away.<br />
<br />
Assuming I get the okay to return to the trail in three+ weeks, my current thinking is to go back to where I left the trail in Glasgow, Va. That's mile 777 northbound. I would then hike to Harper's Ferry, a stretch of a little more than 200 miles. IF I can do that without a PF relapse, then I will fly up to Maine, hike up to Mt. Katahdin and then follow the AT southbound to get to Harper's Ferry. It's called a Flip-Flop - and while not the typical way to do a thru-hike, it is well known as a viable alternative to a more normal south-to-north or north-to-south hike.<br />
<br />
Time will tell whether I can pull this off or not. If not, there's always next year!Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-54974153950348604452012-07-02T18:51:00.003-04:002012-07-02T18:51:53.710-04:00<a href="http://myfox8.com/2012/07/02/inspired-living-bob-zeigler/#ooid=J2ZmZhNTo72kJyD7PH-sy1nodzmR7-D6" target="_blank">I was interviewed by our local Fox Channel for their 'Inspired Living' feature. </a><br />
<br />
I know from experience that interviews can turn out well or just as easily not so. Fox 8's Julie Luck did a really good job piecing this together. Thanks, Julie.Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-88634261677780512052012-06-27T22:24:00.003-04:002012-06-27T22:24:58.453-04:002012 Appalachian Trail into Mountain Lake Wilderness"I went to the woods to live life deliberately..." Henry David Thoreau <br />
<br />
On June 3rd, I spent the night in a hollow down the hill from the Bailey Gap Shelter (mile 653). The next morning began with a short climb to the top of the mountain and then several miles of ridge running along the top. At mid-morning I stopped for a break and a snack to rest and recharge. I crossed Va 613, Mountain Lake Road at 656.7 and came across the entrance to the Mountain Lake Wilderness area. It is an area left undeveloped to preserve the natural existence of the plants and animals - no houses, no roads, no convenience stores, no civilization - just the natural wilderness as it has always been. I stopped at the sign marking the boundary and took this video:<br />
<br />
<br /><a href="http://s719.photobucket.com/albums/ww197/RMZ52/2012%20Appalachian%20Trail/?action=view&current=MountainLakeWilderness.mp4" target="_blank">Mountain Lake Wilderness on the AT</a><br />
<br />Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-74048934320410204582012-06-26T19:48:00.000-04:002012-06-26T19:48:44.502-04:00Second Album of still shotsHere's another set of selected photos from the Appalachian Trail:<br />
<br />
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<br />Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-66894935394737960412012-06-25T23:27:00.002-04:002012-06-25T23:32:52.581-04:00And the Doctor says........<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-size: small;">Well,
at the doctor's office today, he reconfirmed that the problem is indeed Plantar Fashiitis - an inflammation of
the connecting band(s) between the front of the heel to the toes. I got
a prescription for a stronger NSAID, a shot of cortisone, and a more
specific set of stretching </span><span style="font-size: small;">exercises. Now I wait for a two-week checkup
to see if it's healing properly. </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;">Assuming it is, I MIGHT be able to get back on the
trail by mid to late July. At first he hinted at the Fall, but backpedaled fast on that when he saw my horrified reaction.</span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;">The later it g<span class="text_exposed_show">ets
the more impossible it will be to reach Katahdin by Oct 14th. The
alternate plan is to travel to Maine and Katahdin first and hike South
Bound (SoBo) back to Virginia where I left the trail. The concern there
is after getting restarted in Maine, having a relapse much further away
from home and help. At the moment, all I can do is contemplate all the
different possibilities. I really can't make any firm decision until
after my follow-up exam on July 9th. Such a quandary. And I do miss
the trail - A LOT!</span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: small;"><span class="text_exposed_show">In the meantime, I am still working on the photos and videos that I took during the first 2.5 months and 700+ miles of the Appalachian Trail.</span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span></h6>Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-29962408734803960122012-06-24T23:56:00.002-04:002012-06-24T23:56:23.663-04:00I am still uploading some still shots taken with my GoPro - Here's the first of several albums. Enjoy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s719.photobucket.com/albums/ww197/RMZ52/2012%20Appalachian%20Trail%20Album%201/?albumview=slideshow" target="_blank">2012 Appalachian Trail Album 1</a>Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-13553702118258773352012-06-22T11:03:00.000-04:002012-06-22T11:03:23.071-04:00On April 4th, just a few days into my AT hike, I stopped at a grassy meadow atop a mountain ridge. I saw the clouds start to climb the hillside and decided to try my new GoPro and its time-lapse picture capabilities. Here is 45 minutes condensed to about 11 seconds as the mountain top was being claimed by the gathering clouds. Enjoy.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6112000294426774309.post-25928520889376418222012-06-21T14:09:00.000-04:002012-06-21T14:09:00.289-04:00I was hiking the trail when I pulled up short - spotting something moving between two logs, directly on the trail. This little fellow was just sunning himself until I began to bother him. Eventually he showed his displeasure and made a hasty departure. <br />
<br />
<span class="watch-page-link"> <a href="http://youtu.be/6NDr9HoVGaA">http://youtu.be/6NDr9HoVGaA</a></span><br />
<br />Bob Zieglerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04103426032636863941noreply@blogger.com1