Questions for the Hikers, Volume 3



Question for the Hikers: How does the condition of Scott's feet compare to yours?

Answer: Scott's feet look as though he never left home. Not one blister. Sometimes, he says his arches hurt or the balls of his feet hurt, but I tell him "Don't let the small stuff get you down, dude," and this inspires him to keep on. [Believe me... It inspired more than this but I kept it to myself--Scott]. (Here is an actual quote from Scott: "I have foot problems too. I just bear my pain more quietly." [Actually, I believe the quote was "I walk quieter" -Scott] It's lucky I walk in back because it's less effort to make a wide variety of hand gestures at the other person.) In the beginning, I had terible blisters on the balls of my feet, now it's the heels and between the toes. I also get cramps in my feet sometimes.

Question for the Hikers: Do the trail angels know in advance that you are coming?

Answer: Yes. It's this amazing network of people. Here's how it works: As you hike along, you sign trail registers. They are usually located in post offices, but some are along the trail. There are people who check the registers and can judge your pace and then let the next angel know when you are coming through or they leave water or even post weather reports along the trail or make sure they are home in case you need a place to stay. Todd from the ranger station called Donna and Jeff and let them know we would be there the following day. Then, when we arrived in Agua Dulce, Donna was out running errands and we were walking along the street and she pulled up next to us and said, "Scott and Amy-hop in!" Everyone is so kind.

Question for the Hikers: How are your appetites?

Answer: Long distance hikers always talk about the huge appetites you develop after being on the trail for more than a couple weeks. Scott has a pretty healthy appetite, but nowhere near what we've read about in other people's journals. (However, I think it's getting closer every day) I, on the other hand, am having trouble eating. (No doubt this is a shock to everyone) Either the heat kills my appetite or we come into camp late and I just want to crawl in my bag. I also don't like the foods I packed for breakfast. Scott has been warning me that now that we are in the 4th week of this trip, I have probably used up my energy stores and unless I start eating I won't have the energy to do the miles. He is right and I've been forcing myself to eat as much as I can. It's the strangest thing. I can't really explain it. It's so unlike me.

Continue on for an exciting snake update!

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