Day 49 Birdcage to the Birdcage Via Mt Greylock

Miles 13
Total 471

To the astute observer you might remember that yesterday I said the SlackPack would be 23 miles yet I seem to have written 13.  You might also recall that I was buying new boots in an effort to eliminate my ankle trouble.  You might also know me to be a bit reckless.  Fine. I'll stop stalling and tell you of my stupidity.

I hike with an aircast but I was hoping to discard it when I upgraded to high boots.   As a "test" I brought my aircast but didn't put it on.  Stop "tsking".  I learned my lesson.  Yes.  I sprained my ankle. Badly.   Actually, all day today was stressful-not just the ankle part.
  I didn't realize that we weren't going to be able to get to the mountain until 10am.  A 10am start over 23 miles made me very anxious-even without the pack on.  In fact, I was so anxious and nervous that I had my first panic attack.   Let me tell you how it started.  First, I was having a hard time breathing which might have been partly due to spending time with more cigarette smoke that I've been around in a long time.  So I had to slow down.  Then I started to panic that if I was going slower than normal, we wouldn't make it over the mountain.  Then I did a little math.  We hike at about 2 miles an hour. 23 miles would take us around 11 hours.  But 23 miles over the biggest mountain in MA might take us a little longer as I tend to get tired the longer I hike.  So now, adding up the time 1 realized we might not get back until around 11pm.(i exaggerated in an effort to really freak myself out)   I was NOT excited about hiking in the dark.  Then I really started to panic. I couldn't breath and started crying. (Not really helping the timeframe).  Having my first real panic attack, I was unsure about how to calm myself down.   Jamie rubbed my back and gave me some water.  Ultimately, I got myself back under control and we continued on.   By the time we summit-ed around 2pm and ate lunch and I was feeling worlds better. 
We even ran into a hiker we had met back at the Doyle-Baked Beans- and the other Dalton trail angel-Tom Levardi.  Both things putting me in a great mood.  We ate lunch and started down the other side. 
Not hiking with packs is a joy!  It's so easy! I felt like I was flying!  But I can't fly and ultimately I came crashing down on a root and re-twisted my ankle. This time was, by far, the worst.  I couldn't get up for a good 10 minutes and then I couldn't walk.  Normally, when I've twisted my ankle I walk off the pain.  Not so this time.  I was afraid to even take off my boot and look at it.  We hobbled out the last three miles and called Mr Bird to come save us.  He drove us to the ER because I was afraid it was fractured.  After 2 hours, X-rays and a great chat with the administrative lady we left with these words from the not-my-favorite young PA, "It's not fractured, and even though you're going to ignore me-stay off of it for a few days."

But we decided we wouldn't ignore her! So, we've called our friend Chris Watkins to come and rescue us.  We're going to take some time off in the Valley.  And I'll wear the Aircast forever.  I mostly promise!


Top of Mount Greylock!

Day 48 Kay Wood to The Birdcage

Miles 3
Total 458

We woke up this morning and hiked three miles in to Dalton MA. Upon arriving in Dalton we were picked up by Rob Bird who took us to his house and cared for us. (post coming).

The reason we stopped in Dalton was because we needed new shoes-both of us. Jamie's shoes had lost tread. Literally. there was a hole in the bottom and, consequently, his feet were hurting and, as you know, I seem to compulsively roll my ankles so I wanted to upgrade to real boots.   And we needed to do laundry-but that's a pretty consistent need.

So, we went to the EMS today and both successfully walked out with new shoes.  Jamie in another pair of Brooks and I in a pair of Solomon's that I got on clearance for $50.  I was particularly excited about my boots because I didn't even know they were marked down.  I was willing to pay to $180 dollars to have some foot security and I was ecstatic when I looked at the price tag!   It was so interesting to put on new shoes with supportive bottoms. When I put my old Merrels back on it felt like I was walking around in Ballerina slippers.  It felt like there was nothing between my feet and the ground.  Crazy!

After getting our new shoes (and wearing them out of the store), we went back to Rob's house to wait for the Trio to get back from their hike before going to dinner.   Rob took us to "Old Country Buffet." An all you can eat buffet is heaven to a Thru-Hiker.  I sampled EVERYTHING they had to offer and walked out comfortably full. 

Tomorrow morning we're going to do a "Slack Pack."  For $20 Rob will drive us north over Greylock.  We'll take small day packs and hike 23 miles back up and over.  We'll spend the night here again and then the next day he'll drive us back to where we started and we'll continue North.  I"m happy to not have to carry 30 pounds over our first 3,000 footer!  This will be our first slack pack.  I"m also excited about that. I tried to talk the boys into doing it with us to save some money but they thought 23 might be a bit much for them.  Anyway,  i'm looking forward to it! 

We just got finished with a marathon sing along and I'm tucked in on the front porch futon with jamie and drew is on the twin bed next to us. Although today was a short day, i feel it was productive and we'll pick up some miles tomorrow.