Day 37: back on the trail

July 11
25 miles

Yesterday was a bit of a waiting game--seeing when the hospital thought Ellie could be released; wanting it to be soon so the bill would be lower, but not wanting to pull her out if she still needed more care. In the end they release her to my roommates with medication and care instructions, and the bill ends up around $1000. For 24 hours of care. I try to tell myself at least it was only that much, but it still takes a huge hit to my finances, and I wonder if I'll end up having to leave the trail early, anyway. I focus on Ellie being healthy, and tell myself I would gladly give up all my money and time on this trail if that's what it took.

I get back on the trail this morning, and I guess all of my complaining about the heat and drought paid off, because it's overcast and sprinkling. The walk is cool and refreshing, and for the first couple of miles I think this is everything I want from this trail. The views are beautiful, the smell reminds me of summer camp, and I feel strong and capable.

I take a break around 10am, and hear some hikers coming up the trail. It's Shredder (who Kacie and I met for about 2 min outside of Chester), and Mountain Goat--another solo female hiker we met at the Bucks Lake Trail Angel's house, and who I've been leapfrogging with for the past week or so. I end up walking with them for the next couple of hours, and when we take a break for lunch, Happy Pants joins us, and it's a regular party.

Mountain Goat and I end up walking together for he rest of the day, the boys passing us quickly, but with the intention of all meeting up again for the evening. The day turns muggy and hot, and has more intense climbs than either of us had anticipated. We both seem to be feeling a bit negative about the whole thing. This doesn't make things any easier. Then ensues much whining. MG starts to feel sick, and I worry if she'll be able to make it the full 24 miles today. We go slow for the next few miles until she starts feeling better, and then we slog into camp around 8:30.

The spot we picked is already hot to a couple out her PCT hikers and an Americorp trail maintenance crew. Everyone is spread out in the middle of the tents, Shredder is playing his mini guitar (and I finally figure out how he got the trail name Shredder), and they clap for MG and I when we get in. Suddenly, I feel okay. I make a joke about crushing it on the trail today, and we all introduce ourselves and get ready for tea and hot chocolate. We cram our tents close together, and it turns into a slumber party sort of evening. I relax into my hot chocolate, we say goodnight to our new Americorp friends after many evening laughs, and Shredder plays his beautiful music even after we are all tucked away in our tents.

It is a beautiful moment that is over too soon. But we are all tired and have another 25 miles to do tomorrow.