May 21, 1999 - Pearisburg Virginia

Folks,

Greetings from Pearisburg Virginia.
615 miles from Springer +- a couple of miles.

Medical Update:

About 90 miles ago I took off a couple of days in Marion Va,
and went to see a podiatrist about my ankle.

The ankle seems to be improving, but the patient is in somewhat
worse shape.

You can't stuff all those things in a boot ( heel uplift, leg warmer
ace bandage ) and walk on it for 90 miles without somethings else
happening.

As of today I can barely feel and tension in the tendon that was giving me trouble, but I did develop some rubbing sores on the top
of that same foot and a blister on the bottom. I am also taking
2400 mg of Ibuprofen a day.

If all goes well, I will discontinue the use of the wrap within
the next couple of hiking days, but will carry it with me in case
I need it.

Next stop is Troutville Virginia about 92 miles up the trail.
NOt many opportunities for getting off the trail ( one at 70 miles)

My wife ( jan ) says that I should describe my pack, so here it is.

Pack Weight without food, water and Fuel was about 30 lbs

Loaded pack weight was about 40 pounds. It varies with mostly food
and water.

I am carrying about 1.75 quarts of water and about 10 ounces of fuel

The messy details.

Sleeping bag ( 40 degree Mountain Hardware ) marginal at less than 40 degrees.

Water filter - Pur Hiker Seems to be working well. I am using a coffee
filter around the intake for additional filtering. One year warrantee
against clogging.

REI water bag - 2 gallons when full - several ounces when empty.

Clothes

   Stuff sack for clothes - serves as a pillowcase
   hiking polypropylene shirt
   sleeping polypropylene shirt
   hiking propylene underwear
   sleeping polypropylene underwear.
   3 pairs of liner and hiking socks.
   A pair of polypropylene gloves
   A wool Baclava
   Patagonia Zephur Jacket
   Wool Shirt
   Waterproof rain hat
   rain jacket - added recently - coated nylon
   Supplex Hiking shorts

Cooking gear
   MSR whisperlite
   Titanium pot
   dipping cup
   Sierra Cup
   Spoon
   Misc  - matches etc.

Middle Pocket
   Emergency kit
   Toilet Kit - trowel, toilet paper, baby wipes
   Extra Plastic bags.
   Nylon cord
   50 ft of rope ( haul rope )

Top Pocket
   Sony radio
   Nylon bag - contact lens stuff - vitamins ibuprofin
   Pack Cover - large Internal - REI
   Thru- Hikers Handbook.
   Petzel Microlight

Food - Main bag
Food - snacks - food for the day.

Fanny Pack

.75 quart water bottle
Appalachian trail data book
Topo map/ profile guide

Pack - Duraflex Journey pack
REI treking poles

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