RamSham: Busy Bee Queen…

This morning, I am running around like a chicken without its head trying to get things done before going back on the trail.  Got a couple of interview requests, some email and comments to reply to, some updates to blog to do, check and re-check the schedule and list, and etc….ceaseless tasks while hiking!  Funny thing is that some people think long distance hiking is like a vacation.  Okiieee….I invite these people who think like that to come out and hike with us to see what it is really all about!  😎  Anyhow, my apologies if I do not get back to any of you sooner via the blog, email, Facebook, and etc.  Next time when I have actual ZERO zero-day, I hope to dear that I will have time to catch up with my life, loved ones, and friends in the “real world”.  Please bear patient with me. 

Anyhow, for a brief update – we are hiking toward midpoint of Appalachian Trail (1,090.5 miles) Pine Grove Furance State Park. We are so stoked!  We are already over 1,250 miles, but to be physically part of midpoint of Appalachian Trail is even cooler.  We plan to visit the Appalachian Trail musuem there.  Until next time, folks!

RamSham: First visit to hospital for this year’s hiking

Cane hiked for first three days, this past Monday thru Wednesday, however something was not right. He was experiencing “wardrobe malfunction”. Not like what you might picture of what occurred to Timberlake/Jackson episode, but it had to do with his boots. He wore his boots from last year, but for some reasons, either his feet grew a bit bigger or his boots shrank a bit. He was not hiking comfortably, so his toes kept “beating up” for miles and miles.

Yesterday, we took a zero day to re-organize our things and wash our clothing. Cane and I went to the outfitters for Cane to buy a new pair of boots. He got a Keen boots. When we got back home, Cane said his big toes (yeah, both) were throbbing and he was wondering if he should seek medical advice. Raffle Queen’s husband told him that he went through same thing and he conducted his own medical fix by drilling a hole in his toenail to relieve some pressure. Cane thought he could give the drill a try on his injured toenail. However, as soon as he saw the hand-cranking drill, he decided to decline and opted for ER and be in professional medical care. I thought it was a smart move. We, Raffle Queen, Cane, and I, went to ER last night. They made a hole in his toenail by burning a hole with special instrument. It was so cool! The pressure relieved at last. Raffle Queen got to take the special instrument home for “just in case” situation. LOL

I experienced a minor “wardrobe accessories malfunction” – my orthotics were giving me some troubles (hotspots, blisters) on both sides of my feet and toes for first 2 days. On first day, I tried to hike with new trail sneakers, but my feet were swishing all over inside the shoes with orthotics. I gave up on trail sneakers. On 2nd day, I hiked with a new pair of Salmon boots that I wore last year, but with orthotics in it. It gave me hellish hiking in the morning. At lunch, I took my orthotics out and put the insoles back into the boots. I applied moleskin all over my feet. Ahhhh, it felt much better hiking with insoles. Looks like my orthotics issue is put on hold for now.

Today, Raffle Queen, Cane and I hiked around 7 miles in cold and rainy weather. Cane felt good with his boots and healing toe with “tiny” hole on toenail. It looked like his “wardrobe malfunction” issue may put to rest at last.

RamSham: Stalling in Killington, Vermont – for a good reason!

We arrived in Killington, Vermont at Mountain Meadows Lodge last night after dealing with all-day on-and-off heavy rain for around 16 miles.  UGH!!!!!!!!  We were soaked right through to our bones and as wet rats!  We are taking a zero day today since it is still raining for 2nd day in row.  We just found out about Tropical Storm Nicole paying us a visit without warning.   It is not fun to slosh and trudge through mud, puddles, and mini-waterfalls on trail! It is so nice to be here at lodging – watching movies, reading books, hanging out in sauna, and etc. 😎 Stay dry and warm, folks on Northeast coast!

RamSham: Time flew…

I didn’t have any time to update this blog even though I have a couple of zero days. I as running errands with Cane – driving around getting things what we need fo trail. As of now, Cane still doesn’t have a new boots. He has to buy ones at the outfitter in an hour, so we can start hiking again. His old boots were so messed up that he cannot hike in them and it as only around 2 months old! Anyhow, the stories have to be tabled until I have some time to sit down and share with you folks. Anyhow, we are going to hike from Daleville to Glasgow. Have a good week. Until next time, folks!

RamSham: Weihenstephaner – hefeweissbier dark

I am having it in Bryson City, North Carolina at River’s End Restaurant on my zero day! Toast to my dear German buddies! 😉