Sad news-off the trail

[dakotarose]

Well my friends, I only imagined starting the trail and finishing it, but that's not how it went. I injured my knee, not really sure when, I always felt strong and ready to go, but it started to hurt and every step became painful and each step down, a testimony to pain. So, enter a trail angel by the name of Cathy, who drove into the backroads of the 100 mile wilderness and took my sorry butt out of there. (is "butt" foul language?) I got an ER assessment and rested 3 days before deciding to go home. Super sad day!!!!! Still in much pain, just got back to SD today. Trying to keep my chin up.
Was great to see other hikers on the trail, including WCGornto and Bob McCaw.

[Phreak]

Enjoy the experience and try again sometime... the trail will be waiting for you.

[7Sisters]

Dakatorose,

Sorry to hear you injured your knee. Keep your spirits up. The trail won't be going anywhere.

Would love to hear more about your experiences and the joys you're taking away from your time on trail.

Peace be with you.

[Crazy Legs]

knee pain sucks! I hope you heal and are out and about soon!

[double d]

What did the doctor say was wrong? You really should take your knee pain/concerns to an Ortho doctor in your area and have it looked at. Good luck on your knee and getting back on the trail.

[Survivor Dave]

Sorry to hear you are off Trail.
It happened to me as well. In my case I didn't heed the warning of Robert Rubin, the author of On the Beaten Path.
This happened to him but he recovered quickly and completed his Thru.

A fellow hiker(Loon) had said to him not to go "Too far, too fast, too heavy, too soon!" Not sure if this was the case in your situation, but hopefully it was none of the above......

I hope you recover quickly and have the opportunity to get out there again real soon.

[wcgornto]

Sorry to hear you are off trail. It was a pleasure meeting you and I was hoping to spend some time together trading stories.

I have a slightly gimpy ankle, but nothing serious. I am taking it easy and holding off on big miles until I get through the crazy swamps, bogs, and mud pits of Maine, as well as the peaks of New Hampshire. Maine is not getting any easier and the last three trail maps do not look inviting.

I hope you get healed up real soon and back on trail.

[dakotarose]

Good news for me today! Saw the doctor today and my knee is OK! The problem lies with the IT band, which ends just under the knee. I've got theraputic exercises to do, and......I could be trail-ready by late Aug. I think I will be looking at a chunk of trail, from Daleville, VA to Clingman's Dome, TN. I have relatives near each end of that stretch. Of course, I will try not to get my hopes up too far. (like that will work!)

[dmax]

Thats great news!!! I'm also glad to hear that your spirits are still up. Don't hurry your therapy and you'll be trail bound in no time at all.

[Bob McCaw]

It was nice meeting you and I wish you all the best. The conditions were pretty nasty this year. Keep your head up!