Days 38-42: Grounded

Current Location: 393.1 mi, Elk Park, NC, MTN Harbour Hostel

Day 38, 3/24: 

Zero in Erwin.  Wasn't planning on staying a zero, but my ankle has been sore and bothering me as I approached Erwin.  Some serious tightness is occuring in my right shin area.  Resting and icing, hoping for the best.   

Day 39, 3/25: 

Did 12.3mi out of Erwin today to the campsites before Unaka Mtn. Probably didn't help that I left town so late.  Despite rest, it seems my ankle and Right shin pain is getting worse, not better.  Feeling like shin splints.  Shit. 

Day 40, 3/26: 

Did another 12mi to Greasy Creek Friendly.  CeeCee is a great host and for 10 bucks it is a great deal.  I wanted to push 2 miles to the next shelter, but this shin pain is getting severe. Need to get to a town and doctor ASAP. Grrrrrr.  The problems never stop.   

Day 41, 3/27:  

Really stupid, but I pushed 17.5 + .6 miles today to get to Overmountain Shelter.  Really didn't want to freeze on top of Roan Mtn with the wind and rain coming.  Soooo windy up there.  Whoa.  Anyway, it was horrible.  Shin pain nearly unbearable for the entire day.  Wincing with each step.  Need a town ASAP.  Shit.  

At least Overmountain Shelter is super nice.  An old converted barn with enough space for probably 40 hikers.  Super cool and nice views to the valley below.  

Day 42, 3/28: 

Grounded. 

Made the 9.2 mi trek to 19E and therefore a town.  A long climb followed by a never ending downhill made bearable only by pain meds.  Felt like an eternity of pain and misery.  

Well Fuck.   

Here at the Mountain Harbour Hostel coming up with plans.  Swollen ankle, shin, and foot at this point.  No clue what's up.  Hoping to either rest here for a few days or make it to a bigger city with friends or family.  Pissed off, but at least safe.   

Tired. Angry. Annoyed.  Ready for more.   

It's the long game.  Push on, fall hard.  Take rest, get to Maine.  At least I can regain some of that weight lost.   

Bright side, I guess?   

Anyway, time to rest. 

Big O