Saturday:

Having spent 2 days in bed suffering from an upper respiratory infection, I started to get “cabin fever” and despite my better judgment, and against the advice of my doctor and fellow hikers, I decided I would tackle this month’s hike in the Blue Ridge Mts. The trail we chose was the Three Ridges and Mar Har Loop near Reed’s Gap.

We planned what we estimated was a 7 hour hike but unfortunately it turned into a 9 hour hike! Silly me, I thought I would turn back if I was not feeling well, but having reached the “point of no return” I had to finish the hike. I was absolutely miserable! I could barely breathe and the two big blisters on each of my big toes were making hiking excruciatingly painful. Thankfully my buddy, Jim, walked behind me, encouraging me and even pushing me up the mountain when necessary. (Why don’t I ever listen to the advice of others??)

While the other hikers indulged in a gourmet meal after the hike, I was too sick and miserable to enjoy anything more than I hot cup of lemon tea! The hot –tub and bed felt great that night.

Sunday: