July 24-25 in MA

July 24, 2005 | Day 119 | Miles: 6.6 | Total Miles: 1515.6
End: East Mountain Retreat Center, Great Barrington, MA
Danielle:
Sunny and nice
Not where we planned to be for the night... Poor Ryan. His back was hurting again today. It really sucks. Not just for him, but just in general, to be thrown off kilter again and off the trail for a few days when we hadn't planned it (again). This time we're going to get him to a chiropractor or someone who can hopefully whack his back into place so we can get back on the trail shortly. I have had a few hours to sit and think about this, and gain some optimism about the situation, but I have to admit that while we were slogging through the last 4 miles of our big 6.6m day, I was feeling pretty down, sad and pessimistic about everything. It really sucks to be out there in the woods, helpless, watching him have so much pain, and knowing that we have to keep moving so we can stop. Some twisted logic going on there, but that's just how it is out here when your feet are your mode of transportation. I worry about making it, about him being hurt for the long-term, about money and time and everything. We really want to keep going, so we'll do what we can to make it happen.
In any event, we are now showered and relaxing at this silent retreat place. They open a section of it to hikers, which is very nice. We plan to call my parents tomorrow, and interrupt their scheduled visit with my sister in Portland, ME to have them come pick us up early and take us to Mim's in Williamstown, MA for a few days off. They were going to do that anyway in a few days...this is just a bit earlier than planned. I wish we could stick to the schedule, but what can we do? We'll hope a bit more rest and a doctor's visit will make Ryan feel better, and then we'll head north again...

Ryan:
sunny, warm
today sucked. my back is bad. and, i sprayed insect repellant into my eye. we're going to take a couple days off. we're going to maine.

July 25, 2005 | Day 120 | Miles: 0 | Total Miles: 1515.6
End: Mim's house, Williamstown, MA
Danielle:
Sunny, hazy and hot
After a nice sleep at the East Mountain Retreat and a leisurely morning sitting around reading and playing RISK (I lost. Bummer.), Mom and Dad picked us up around 1pm and drove us to Mim's. We managed to get new pole parts (ours had taken a beating on the PA rocks) and get Ryan a massage plus a chirpopractor appointment all within 2 hours of being here. Very productive! Plus, I went through all the boxes that had arrived here either via mail or with Mom and Dad. Thanks to Corie and Rob, Krisser, Neal and Kendra, Nate and Shannon for thinking of us and sending along packages. It was like Christmas :-) We enjoyed the rum & cokes and bloody marys that Neal and Kendra sent along (only they would send alcohol through the mail :-) ) with our dinner. Yum!
After Ryan's massage, his back is feeling great. We'll see how it feels tomorrow, but we're feeling optimistic...
It's great to see Mim and my mom and dad. And a big thanks to them for coming to pick us up early! We really appreciate it :-)

Ryan:
cloudy am, sunny pm
car ride, poles fixed, shower, massage, food. what more do you need to know? ok, the raymonds rescued us from the ridiculous yappy dogs and slightly creepy atmosphere of the east mountain retreat center. not a bad place, but 24 hours was more than enough. so, we're further north on the trail than we've walked...the trail goes right through williamstown. anyway, the mountain goat ia the outfitter in town and they kicked ass...they basically refurbed our busted poles. new tips and new shafts for me. they also recommended a massage place in town. that was sweet. hopefully, that will help...i think so. i also have an appointment with a chiropractor tomorrow. take that busted back! gotta go...ice cream sundaes!