I’m curious: what would YOU do were you in my situation?
I have a foot that is now getting slightly better. Would you wait for it to heal – an indefinite amount of time at this point since no concrete diagnosis – or would you start on Plan B?
Funnily enough, I’m now catching up on the podcast I collaborate on. It’s giving me extra incentive to get back on trail. The words of support from listeners is beyond inspiring and hearing from Par 3, Kimchi and Gizmo and the people they interview, I feel a sudden surge of hope and longing for the trail.
Dear God, Jesus, Mother Nature, Igbo, Sirona, Sekhmet, Aceso, Raphael the archangel, Ashvins, Apollo and any other deity of healing out there, I vow not to take the trail for granted ever again should I be able to get back on trail.
At this point, I’m ready. Give me trail or give me death! (Ok, maybe that’s too much but you get my gist).
Bring it on, party people. Ready for this right foot of mine to heal!
Hiking The Pain Away 
I’m glad to see that your mind as well as your foot seem to be healing.
You are the only one who can determine when your foot is well enough to hike, but since you asked for opinions… If it were me and I knew the foot was strong enough to walk on, I would formulate a plan to get back on the trail in a gentle manner. Maybe I would plan to walk 5 miles the first day. If the foot is still causing too much trouble, you could walk the 5 miles back in the other direction and get back off of the trail. If the foot is holding up, maybe walk 10 miles the following day. Ease yourself back onto the trail. I’m not sure what the water situation is where you are right now, but with your experience at this point I’m confident you can figure out a workable plan with respect to water and resupply. Don’t worry about time, destination, or long term goals. Just get back on the trail, enjoy the daily experience, and see where that takes you. That’s what I think I would do.
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Nice! Thank you! 🙂 that’s really good advice. Unfortunately no real way of slack packing unless I’m mistaken since there are no real roads until I get to Kennedy Meadows, 48 miles in. So I just have to be willing to go for 48 miles at least and then decide at KM.
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If you’re ready you’re ready, but if you’re not then you could do serious damage. Been following your blog so I know that you had to get off the trail a few days short of K.M. if it were me and I thought I was ready, I’d start and take it real slow, maybe 5 to 7 miles a day. Then a couple of zeros in K.M. The trail isn’t going anywhere and an extra week off (if practical )could mean the difference between a wonderful experience and a disaster. Wishing you the best 💉
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Tku so much!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻 yeah, If I go too slow though , I’ll have to have more days of food which will make a heavier pack… That’s my main dilemma. Was thinking exactly that though ! 🙂
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I agree with the other commenters. If you can take it slow and easy, try that. Your health is more important than anything else. I hope to employ the same strategy myself (infected toe) either tomorrow or the next day. I e been off trail for a week and it’s making me crazy!
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I’d wait just a little longer. It’s better that you give yourself time to heal before you push forward. When you do finish healing you will be stronger for it.
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So, I just started following your journey after listening to Sounds of the Trail. Just wanted to let you know that I’m totally rooting for you!! I’m sending prayers and good karma your way in hopes that your foot heals quickly! You have spunk, girl. I look forward to you grinding that trail and sharing your adventure.
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Thank you so much!!!!! ❤️❤️🙏🏻
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