July 19, 2024

The training has begun.

I have known for a while, almost a year, that I would be getting a chance to hike with Ratman, Tumbler and Spirit. The 3 of them had thru hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2012 and I in 2016. Many miles have been hiked since then by all of us, some more than others. We all have searched out various trails to continue enjoying nature. So, you would think that I would have started preparing my body way before the 2 weeks prior to the start date. I guess, I just love to procrastinate sometimes.

So, here I am 2 weeks beforehand, thinking about going out to hike, I let 3 more days go by before I actually think more seriously about getting my legs and back ready. I even message Spirit to see how she is doing with said training for herself. She has been doing better than I and so I think, I better get off my butt and get hiking.

I pack my backpack with half of the weight I need to carry on the trail and start out on a very hot, very humid MN day. I am wearing long pants, a long sleeved hoodie and a canvas, large brimmed hat. Off I go south on the highway. I’m not even to the end of my driveway when the deer flies swarm me. Ugh! No bug spray. Should I turn around and get some, nah, just move forward. Man it is hot!!! I get a mile down the road and think, “Should I turn around?” Hmmm, I guess I could go east down this dirt road until it comes to a T. That might be another mile. I try hiking in the shade as much as I can. Dang deer flies! They’re trying to bite my fingers and hands. “Get the heck off of me. Damn you flies!”

I am really starting to cook. It is so hot. I take off my hat when I find shade along the road from the trees. My hair is getting drenched. Not only that, I am feeling drenched. Sweat!!! What was I thinking. I should have been out here 2 hours earlier. I get to the T in the road. what does that sign say? “.5 miles to a bridge.” I can do .5 more. I head south on another dirt road and when I finally get to the bridge I think, “I probably shouldn’t have come this far.” I debate if I should text my husband Tom to come and get me. I better not wimp out now. I can’t do that while I’m hiking on the trail. I will just take a break and drink lots of water. I am wishing I would have brought more than 28 oz. Or at least my water filter.

By now I have 3 deer fly bites. They hurt and sting and my hand and fingers are red and now swelling. Geez I hate those flies. Time to head home. I turn around and back track my miles. Hotter than every, but at least I am heading home. I am totally drenched now. I take my hat off and on as much as I can. The reason why I am keeping a hat on is 3 weeks ago I had my eyelids raised so that I would quit walking into branches in the woods. I can see a lot better. The Dr said to make sure I wear sunglasses to cover my eyelids. Something about if I don’t, something would turn brown? Not sure what he was talking about so I guess I will follow his direction. I didn’t know if he meant the scars or my eyelids. I think well, if it is my lids, who cares. It will look as if I have on eyeshadow. Not that I ever wear any.

I am about a half mile from home when Tom text me to see if I am still alive. I said “Yup.” He wants to know if I want a ride. I say, “No, I’m almost home.” I am so relieved to see my mailbox.

I get home. Change close. Drink lots of water. And spend the next 3 hours feeling super dizzy. I think I got over heated…Maybe I should have started training sooner. Oh well.