Records 71 to 80 of 83

It was hot and sticky last night. I didn't get much sleep. I arose at 4:30, completed yesterday's report and started walking at 6:45.

There are now less than 1000 miles remaining to Mount Katahdin in Maine, 971, to be exact. But looking ahead that far boggles the mind. But it's still just one day at a time.

I received an email from a former Paducah resident. He calls himself 'an ole Kentucky boy living in Hong Kong'. He said he's following my journey and used the phrase 'totally awesome' to describe it. Thanks. I appreciate hearing from you all. Keep those emails coming.

At 8:05 I met Amoebae, 63, (photo) hiking south with three other ladies. The others, all section hikers, were in a hurry and kept on trucking. Amoebae stopped and we talked for a bit, long enough that I showed her my ring trick. I asked her if she wanted to say anything to my readers. She said to tell you she was bamboozled by the ring trick. I got tickled over the word bamboozled and we had a real good laugh together. She also revealed her secret method for maintaining her youthful appearance (other than walking in the woods) but asked me not to reveal it to you. It's sort of personal.

If Flaxseed's family and/or his sister's family are still keeping up with this website please email me at 'contact us' and let me know where Flax is. Thanks.

At 3:00 I slid down (literally, it's a steep descent) the mountain into Port Clinton, PA. At 3:15 I met Betty, PMR, at the Port Clinton Post Office. As Postmistress Relief she only works a few hours a week but says she enjoys it and it gets her out of the house. I picked up my drop box. Thanks Glen. You are still batting 100%.

By 3:25 I had rented a room and ordered a big cheeseburger and fries from Pam at the Port Clinton Hotel. I am very tired tonight. I may have been pushing too hard in the hot weather. A good night's rest will help.

Today's walk began near Shiikellimy Overlook, mile 1184.4, and wound up at Port Clinton, PA, mile 1202.9, a total of 18.5 miles.

The Port Clinton Hotel is not five star lodging, far from it. They charge $67 for, to coin a line from 'King of the Road', "an eight by twelve (literally) four bit room," with a shared bath down the hall. The price includes a $10 key and towel deposit but they don't tell you that when you register hoping you won't ask for your money back. No one but tired, gullible hikers would stay there. I got my $10, less the tax they added to it on the front end, and blew the joint.

At 10:00 I got a ride to a grocery with Scott, the owner of Ye Old Backpacker, an outfitter just north of Port Clinton. Scott also has a nice hiker hostel next to his store. He went out of his way to help me and took me back to Port Clinton. I met Scott's wife, Tammy, on the trail a couple of days ago day hiking with her Venture Crew.

At noon on my way back to the trail fell off the side of a curb and skinned my leg pretty good. How ironic. Everyday I walk through mile after mile of rocks (photo) only to slip and fall in town.

At 1:50 I met Heather and her son, Andrew, out for a six mile day hike. Andrew's brother is almost an Eagle Scout. Andrew, 11, is not sure he wants to be a Scout. I encouraged him to join up.

We had thunder storms last night as a big high pressure front pushed in from the northwest. Today is lovely, mid 80s if that and a good breeze.

I have been pushing hard and it's starting to catch up with me. I've been trying to fight these rocks, trying to make better time. No more. Today I slowed down and concentrated on foot placement and a soft foot plant. It helped and I plan to continue. This is not a horse race. It's an endurance test.

Today's mileage was 15.2 miles as I walked from Port Clinton, PA, mile 1202.9, to Eckville Shelter, mile 1218.1. God bless every last one of you, as you choose to honor and bless Him of course.

I left camp today at 5:45 resolved once again to take it easy on these rocks. And believe me, taking it easy is difficult. Like the old saying, you take it as it comes, and it comes in heaps of boulders.

At 10:30 I passed the trail down the mountain to Dan's Spring. It was marked 'seasonal' in the guide book. I clambered down to find a good cool, piped flow. Piped means a PVC pipe has been installed so you can fill your bottles without dipping. What a joy to find good easily accessible water when you little expect it.

I received an encouraging email from Grant Sobolewski, the ASM with Troop 333 that I met coming out of Duncannon. I asked him to tell me where they are located. Troop 333 is out of Mechanicsburg, PA. Grant said I was an inspiration for chasing my dream. He said he is praying for me. Thanks Grant. God bless you.

At 11:20 I met Peterman and his sidekick Panda. Peterman is a Seinfeld Peterman look-alike. Peterman is from Long Island, Panda from Dallas. They are section hiking and met on the trail last year. We are together tonight in a shelter. It's 7:50 and raining. Peterman says he is the one with the brains.

At 5:20 I met father an daughter, Peter and Zowie, 13, from Allentown, PA, out for an overnight camping trip. Zowie says this state is named Rockslyvania.

Today I walked from Eckville Shelter, mile 1218.1, to Bake Oven Knob Shelter, mile 1235.5, a total of 17.4 miles. God bless you all. Today's photo is looking southeast from the top of the ridge.

I was in a shelter last night with Peterman, Panda and Chico. Chico left early this morning. The rest of us were on the trail at about 7:30 with a short day scheduled. The weather is pleasant, cool and low humidity again.

The blueberries are ripe up on the mountain now (photo). Every so often I pick and eat a handful.

At 11:30 the three of us arrived at Lehigh Gap, PA 873, where the AT crosses the Lehigh River. Shortly thereafter Mr. Ira Fine, owner of Fine Lodging in Slatington, PA, shuttled us back to his hotel. He is a gentleman who treats hikers with respect and decency.

I really needed some time off the trail to rest. Day after day of this beats you down. I plan to take a zero tomorrow.

I checked in and ate lunch next door at the Slatington Diner where I had a chocolate milkshake made in an old fashioned Hamilton-Beach mixer. The waitress brought both the shake and the extra that was left in the mixer container to the table, just like they used to do at soda fountains when I was a kid. There was as much left in the mixer container as there was in the glass. A good deal and a good shake.

I cleaned up, did laundry and rested most of the afternoon. Supper was at The Shack, also just down the street, a big steak. Dessert was a pint of ice cream in my room.

I heard from Flaxseed's family. He is about 15 to 20 miles behind me so this zero should get us close together again. There is only one AT and we're both walking it. I'll find him.

Today I progressed from Bake Oven Knob Shelter, mile 1235.5, to Lehigh Gap, mile 1242.9, a total of 7.4 miles. God bless all of you.

I slept until 6:30 today and then wrote yesterday's entry while still in bed. After it was complete I ate breakfast at the Slatington Diner next door. I returned to the hotel and switched to a room on a side street away from all of Main Street's traffic noise. Then I called family and rested some more. I've been staying in touch with my family via phone and email using this PDA.

Resting in a strange town alone where you don't know anybody is not much fun. I'd much rather be walking in the woods. But Dr. Body said
I needed to recuperate and I had to accept his advice. Just the 7 mile walk yesterday morning was tiring.

After my morning rest I visited the Slatington Library to check my website at a high speed connection. I bought some food for resupply at a convenience store and ate lunch at the same diner where I had breakfast. Then I rested some more. Right now it's 4:20 and I do feel stronger. I'm going for a short walk and finish this report after supper tonight.

I had a bowl of cream of clam soup for supper. It's 7:48 and I'm going to bed. I hope to see Flaxseed soon.

Zero miles today. Today's photo is the Fine Lodging hotel here on Main Street in Slatington, PA. Last night my room was on the second floor, right side as you look at the photo. God bless all of you.

I ate breakfast at the diner next door. At 7:45 Mr. Fine gave me a ride back to the trail. I was walking at 8:00.

At 10:00 Flaxseed's name was in a register from late yesterday so I knew he and his sister were just a few miles ahead of me now.

The day off didn't help much. I felt lousy all day today. I had a terrible headache, something I seldom experience. My eyes were bothering me too. They were red and swollen and started to ache and throb like my head. I was weak and a little dizzy. This did not come on in one day. It's been building over the past week. I finally recognized (or acknowledged) the symptoms of dehydration. I needed to drink more water. I was feeling so rough that I pushed on to this motel and checked in. I needed plenty of water that was easily accessible. During the night (I'm writing this on June 25.) I drank all I could but the symptoms did not subside. I did not sleep at all. I am going to stay here another night to try to get well. My reunion with Flaxseed will be have to be delayed. Please pray for me.

Today I walked from Lehigh Gap, mile 1242.9, to Wind Gap, mile 1263.6, a total of 20.7 miles. Today's photo is a view of the Lehigh River valley.

Last night's severe headache and other symptoms continued during the day today. I was weak, nauseated and miserable. I did not seem to be making any progress toward rehydration. So, to play it safe and find out what was going on I decided to go to a hospital.

I called my new friend, Scott, at Ye Old Backpacker over near Port Clinton. Scott called Tammy and she drove over to Wind Gap and took me to the hospital in Easton, PA, about 30 miles away. Her total round trip was probably about 5 hours. Tammy is an EMT so she was a huge help both during the drive and helping me register. She stayed with me until they called me back to the emergency room. Scott and Tammy have gone overboard to help me. They do this for all the other hikers too. Thank you Scott and Tammy. You are two of the most caring people I know.

We arrived at the ER at about 4:00. They've drawn blood, run some tests, given me some pills that reduced the headache pain, and said I am to be admitted. Two young female residents questioned, probed and said most of my blood work is fine. They are to run one more test in the morning. But here's the kicker. It's 11:45 as I type this and I'm still in the ER. They say there are no beds ready yet. I'll let you know the outcome tomorrow.

Zero miles today. Today's photo is my friend, Tammy, in the ER waiting room at Easton Hospital. What a blessing she was to me today. God bless all of you.

I was moved to a hospital bed at 12:30am this morning. Despite intravenous fluid intake, a severe, debilitating headache and nausea persisted through last night, during the day and into the night tonight. There was no let up. I started to suspect something other than dehydration or heat exhaustion.

Various pain and nausea medications were administered to little or no avail. A parade of residents and specialists looked, probed and questioned. Additional tests were ordered and completed, including a brain scan and a gall bladder scan. (I feel my wallet getting lighter.)

Finally, at about 4:00, Dr. Carla Rossi, an infection specialist, made a diagnosis that makes sense. She found a rash in various spots on my body. She is 95% certain I have either Lyme Disease, Ehrlichia or Lyme Meningitis caused by a tick bite. All are 100% curable. This last part made my day.

Here's the details and timetable as I understand them. My symptoms agree with this diagnosis. Confirming blood tests results take 2-5 days. I'll be here at Easton 2-5 days more. The treatment, which they have started, is an antibiotic named Doxycyline. The recuperation period while on oral antibiotics is a minimum of one month.

Tomorrow a I am to have a lumbar puncture to check for Meningitis.

I had the phone off most of the day today because of the headache but I thank all of you that called. I know many are praying and this gives me great comfort. I am comforted too in the sure knowledge that my precious Lord Jesus, the Great Physician, will sustain me. Praise His Holy, Holy Name. God bless you all.

During the night the headache subsided appreciably. This morning when I awakened I rated it a 3 on a 1 to 10 scale. (The staff continually asks you to rate pain in this way.) I ate a hearty breakfast with no residual nausea.

As the day progressed I continued to feel better. I ate a big lunch.

At about 3:00 Dr. Ancha, a neurologist, drew spinal fluid from my lower back. This test is for Meningitis. He said he will have the results today.

At 4:00 Dr. Tuma, Dr. Rossi's associate, and their PA, Andrea, visited me along with a cadre of residents. Dr. Tuma says the medicine is working and if the meningitis test results are negative he will release me tomorrow. The antibiotic is doing its job and the oral antibiotic works the same as the drip so there is no need to be hospitalized any longer. If the Meningitis test is positive it's two weeks of treatment at the hospital. I'm not sure if he meant as an in-patient or out-patient.

I had a big suppertime meal and Grace, my day nurse, is ordering me a chocolate milk shake from 'rooms service'. What more could I want?

So, that's today's update. We'll still have to take it one day at a time to see what the future holds. My family has been overly supportive, calling and offering to drive or fly up. That's not necessary yet. I'm receiving excellent care here. Pennsylvania is one of the top ranked states in the country for Lyme disease . They see a lot of cases and these professionals know what they are doing. And, God has me right in the palm of His hand. He has told me so. Read His promise and be comforted.

Psalm 139
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. 3 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
7 Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. 11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night," 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you. 13 For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed. 17 How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 I try to count them they are more than the sand; I come to the end I am still with you. 19 O that you would kill the wicked, O God, and that the bloodthirsty would depart from me 20 those who speak of you maliciously, and lift themselves up against you for evil! 21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. 24 See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Today's photo is my day nurse and friend, Grace. She is a caring professional. She is a Filipino immigrant. May God bless all of you.

I got a good night's sleep and awoke feeling even better than yesterday. After a good breakfast I was ready to be dismissed.

The meningitis test was negative, no meningitis. Most of the rash is gone or greatly diminished. They are still not sure whether I have Lyme Disease or Erlichia, but the treatment is the same for either and the treatment is working so this information becomes somewhat irrelevant.

By 11:30 Dr. Rossi told me I could go home. Michele, my nurse today, completed the paperwork, a prescription was written, and orders were explained.

Sam, my son in Florida, went to work nailing down a plan he had already devised. He booked a flight out of Allentown (Lehigh Valley Airport) at 6:00am tomorrow morning. I called a cab, got my prescription filled, continued on to Allentown, and checked into this hotel. I will arrive in Nashville at 8:44am tomorrow. Gil or Glen will pick me up and drive me home.

Dr. Rossi prescribed seven to ten days of rest before continuing on the trail. Wind Gap where I left the trail is only 13 miles south of Delaware Water Gap, PA. My original schedule had me in Delaware Water Gap on July 11th. I can spend a week or so at home, get back on the trail, and still be on schedule. That's my plan as it stands right now, but, as I've said during this entire adventure, let's take it one day at a time. God knows what the future holds and I do not. I will try to rely on Him.

I'll see you folks in Paducah tomorrow. We'll have a big 4th of July together. I can't wait to see all of you and give you all big, big bear hugs.

Today's photo is Scott, my friend over in Port Clinton. Tammy and Scott have helped me to the point that it makes me feel guilty, not because of what they do for others, but because of how little I do in comparison. God bless you Scott and Tammy. God bless all of you at Easton Hospital. You were great. And, may God bless all the rest of you.

Records 71 to 80 of 83