Saturday, June 20, 2009

Buster and Bluebird, Back in Business

Well as it turns out we did not get to start hiking again on Monday. Instead our plans were yet again changed when two men walked into Hiker Heaven. Bamboo Bob and Pappa Smurf are two people who started their hike at the Kick-Off and were at a stand still after late season snow fell in the Sierras just as they were going in. After getting sick of the cold and snow they rented a car and drove back to Aqua Dulce so Smurf could do a section he skipped when recovering from shin splints.

What do you know, just an hour or so before we hiked out of town, these guys show up with a car and are happy to support us all the way to Tehachapi, about 100 miles. It is a great way for us to get re-acclimated to trail life after the 12 days off. On the first day I carried about half the weight I would have normally and Anna was able to hike without a pack to do a 22 mile first day back.

On top of that good fortune, we have had a string of trail angels. From the Saufleys who are probably the definition of trail angels, to the Andersons of Green Valley who give their lives and home over to hikers like no one we have encountered yet, and finally Hiker Town, an ecclectic mismatch of services and attractions that welcomes hikers before their trip across the Mojave Desert.

Although we have had a string of good fortune and trail angel experiences, we have had a new wave of hardships. The most troubling being our changing feet. While we sat at Hiker Heaven our feet softened up. Former blisters that had hardened to calous dried up and peeled off the bottoms of our feet leaving fresh tender skin to walk on and now develop more of the same blisters. On top of blistering there is the ever-present ache of widening feet which had the chance to weaken while we sat and watched movies. Now miles are harder to pass by, but if we can tough it out and keep treating our feet to daily rounds of cleaning, blister popping and massaging we should be back in shape in another week or two... At least that is what we keep telling ourselves.

Enough typing for now, sweet and sour rice is calling my name.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Yay! So glad to hear of your good fortunes and having crew support to help get accustomed to the trail. How perfect?

We made it to Kennedy Meadows and after zeroing today plan on heading out tomorrow. We're bummed we won't be able to go through the Sierras with you guys, but hopefully we'll see you down the trail. We are thrilled that you are back on the trail again though. Keep in touch!