Hi friends -
Here's the latest:
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.
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.
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.
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.
That's it for now - time to hit the road for Knoxville.
Happy trails,
Bob Ziegler
(Six-Six on the AT)
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Decision Time
Hi friends -
It's time to decide what to do about continuing my adventure on the Appalachian Trail.
I really have two choices:
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.
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.
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.
Happy trails, y'all. More later.
Six-Six on the AT
Bob Ziegler
It's time to decide what to do about continuing my adventure on the Appalachian Trail.
I really have two choices:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Happy trails, y'all. More later.
Six-Six on the AT
Bob Ziegler
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Bear's Den Hostel
Hi y'all -
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,
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.
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.
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!
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.
That's it for now - more pictures to come when I get to a faster computer.
Happy trails!
Six-Six
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,
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.
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.
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!
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.
That's it for now - more pictures to come when I get to a faster computer.
Happy trails!
Six-Six
Saturday, August 25, 2012
First week back after PF
Saturday, August 25 - in Waynesboro, Va - at mile marker 856 on the AT.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Happy Trails!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Happy Trails!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
On 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.
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.
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.
It's been a strange two months -
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.
Happy trails,
Bob
(Six-Six)
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.
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.
It's been a strange two months -
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
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.
Happy trails,
Bob
(Six-Six)
Monday, August 13, 2012
On the trail again......Thursday - no, Friday
Here we go again - I am headed for the trail on Thursday to give it another try.
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.
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.
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.
Now to repack and get ready.
Thanks for all the good wishes and positive thoughts - keep them coming.
Happy trails!
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.
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.
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.
Now to repack and get ready.
Thanks for all the good wishes and positive thoughts - keep them coming.
Happy trails!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Better day
Went 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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)