Noelle here:
After a few days of recovery, we started out again this morning. I was excited to get going and we were packed up to leave early.
We passed long trains…or they passed us. We went through a tunnel under the tracks. That was really neat!
Then we walked. My shoulder ached from the extra weight of carrying so much water (there’s none for the next couple days). My lower back pain kicked back in and I was puke-y from the antibiotics. After a few miles I decided it was enough. We sat for a morning break, I handed over some of my food. Then Steve kept going up the hill and I turned back to the motel. That was so hard to do. I cried. I saw him get a little tear-y. I hiked ten miles today just to end up where we started. I just couldn’t keep going up in elevation. That’s so hard. I passed hikers who thought I was a South-bounder or who joked I was heading the wrong way. Mostly I felt so discouraged, even knowing it was the right call for my body.
I’ll meet up with Steve tomorrow in Wrightwood. I know it’s just one night, but it’s pretty weird being the one to watch his mileage on the GPS. It’s pretty weird to take a nap and wake up without him. We’ve been together 24/7 since we started this journey. I’m just feeling so “off”.
Reading your post today reminds me so much of last year on the Camino. It was so hard to have to leave the trail and recuperate in a hotel room while the rest finished the trail without me. Hopefully, you will recover and be able to keep hiking.
Love,
Gregory
A quick thought came to me as you have suffered through uti. My mom has had same ongoing issue, I started giving her daily cranberry pills. It has helped prevent recurrence and might help you. Stay safe, be well.
That’s a good idea, Teddi. This is a recurring thing for me, but by far the worst it’s been. I’ll check into it!
Noelle, Rosemarie and I are sending hugs and prayers. You are strong and wise enough to listen to your body. We have faith that you will get through this and move on to crushing the next challenge. Stay extra safe catching up to Steve.
Thanks Chris! I’m definitely listening to my body! It yells too much not to heed it. 😂😂😂 sending hugs back to you and Rosemarie!
One other thing… I saw that pcttrailsidereader.com/ picked up your post regarding the mile markers. They say they’ll be following you. #internetfamous
Hahahahaha. Yeah. Famous.
Hang in there sweet friend. You are so much stronger then you may think right now. Steve is probably missing you just as much. Look how far you have come!!! So thankful for all you have accomplished. God is good. You have seen so much of His beauty already. Praying for you both always. Love you 💕
Oops. Thought I was connected. This is Bertha and Albert
Love you too Bertha! Thanks for your cheers!!!
Thinking of you both!
Everything’s going to be OK. The emotional pain you feel tells you what matters to you and what you truly want. Listen to your heart.
“We choose do these things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills”
It’s taken me 40+ years to SOBO from Canada to near Oregon. Give yourself permission to heal, both physically and mentally. It will help you in the long game.
Bill
Thank you Bill. Your kind words touch my heart. Noelle