Ups and downs: the walk

I’m back on the road! Not without a little limp, but I’m here. This morning I took it easy to enjoy one last group breakfast and the kitten’s last cuddles. Between the kittens and kisses from Honey (Blaze’s dog), I think this week’s animal therapy really sped up my recovery.

Straight up is also back on the track today! I arranged to connect with him at Walmart so we could continue the journey together. We didn’t get to the trailhead until noon and a storm was expected to arrive around 5:00 this afternoon. Also my leg is still not 100% better. So, considering all that, I knew today was going to be a shorter day.

I decided to skip the 8 miles through the wind farm and start the day at the Highway 58 overpass at mile 566. I was really conflicted about skipping just 8 miles, but I wanted to be a little closer to Jug and Bug if our side mission this weekend is possible. I can always stop by here on my next road trip up north to fill that little void.

I’m not going to lie, keeping track was a little difficult. I knew I couldn’t make it 16 miles to the next water source before it started raining. That meant I needed a full water haul of about 4 liters to get me through the night and get to the next water. And of course, as I’m learning, from each town it’s a nice climb back into the hills.

My leg felt it. In fact, all my muscles felt it. My body is sore and fatigued. My mind keeps wanting to go, go, go, wanting to get back on track, but my body was telling me to slow down. I called my sister and my friend and cried. I went from feeling so strong and so happy to be here to feeling fatigued and questioning my ability. Deep down I know that strength will return quickly, but it’s hard to overcome the hurdle of mental injury, even for something minor.

Playing a fun podcast helped improve my mood. The further I went, the better my leg felt. This was a very good sign. The sky, however, looked darker and darker. The rain clouds were closing in, so I had to set my sights on an overnight campsite just 10 miles into the day.

I set up my tent and made Mac pizza for dinner. It’s macaroni and cheese with parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and turkey pepperoni. Dinner was better than I expected! I might have to try making a version when I’m home. As soon as I put on my pajamas and washed up for bed, it started to rain. I love the sound of rain in my tent. I think I’ll sleep well tonight.

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