So, now that I’m a certifiable thru-hiker on a day off and in a trail town with just about any accommodations at my disposal here at Talyon’s parents place, where do I choose to sleep? Cowboy camping on the ground, in my sleeping bag with a view of Mt. Shasta. The night is just another night on the trail, I’m home. The morning view, however, is not like anything I’ve seen for a while. And despite having all the amenities of home just steps away, I still make coffee in bed and savor the view. Sunrises never get old, especially with a view like this.
Today is about buying food and new shoes. I’ve already arranged with my upcoming personal trail angels for Scott Summit and Etna Summit for me to delay one more day in Shasta. My body and mind needs a break, and Talyon and his family are more than accommodating. And thankfully, so are my trail angels. God it’s amazing to be supported in such a way as this. At times I feel so guilty about these friends and loved ones that go so far out of their way to support me. What did I do to deserve this? How can I repay this?
Talyon takes me to town to the Fifth Season. While not a big store like you’d find in bigger towns, they know their clientele and the local areas. I’m only in need of shoes, the ones I’ve worn since Donner Summit will NOT work for me any further. The salesperson asks me what I’m interested in…I counter with, “What do you have in 15?” Can you believe that they had three different trail runners for me? Holy Shit Balls! While I’m there, SOCO comes in to the store in need of shoes as well. What a funny reunion again….though no singing on his part this time. I settle on the Hoka Challengers; they have really big and cushy soles, and big/wide toe boxes. Please be the ones for me…
Next is the grocery store. By now, I’m pretty good at what I need to buy for the trail. My biggest challenge in town is learning where they park the shit I need in their isles. God I hate shopping in foreign grocery stores. So many laps and excess miles expended. While there, we also buy some food for dinner at the homestead.
Having a town stop like this is no other. Yes, all of the accoutrements are there; stores, bed, shower, laundry and transportation, but this is personal. My laundry comes out folded and in a basket delivered to my prep-table (in a a large garage/barn). Home-cooked food from folks I’ve known since I was in elementary school. It’s so weird to call them by their first names, as they insist, instead of Mister and Misses as I’ve done for decades. But this trail is all about new horizons, new experiences and growth. I’ve made it this far, why not call them Ron and Janet now.
My knee is not happy. Despite a nap, ice and a lot of down time, it’s not enough. It doesn’t really hurt, per-se, it’s just swollen. And the swelling leads to discomfort and eventual pain when I’m hiking. I don’t really know what to do besides stop walking. But my heart and mind are not ready for that course of action. I’m just going to have to keep wearing the knee sleeve, stretch as best I can, elevate when possible and re-evaluate further as time and the miles march on.
Tomorrow Talyon takes me back to the trail. I have about 3 days of hiking until my next personal resupply at Scott Summit on Highway 3, so my load is light again. I can get used to this special treatment….as long as I can keep up with the schedule I promise my buddies. If they’re in, I’m in.
Savior out.