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Thursday–April 29, 2021
Trail Day–069
Trail Mile–0.00/701.3
Location–Laughing Heart Hostel, Hot Springs, AT Mile 274.4
Another much needed day of rest. I’m really no better today; I’m actually weaker. So, another zero-mile day for me on the AT. I tell Caboose of my plight, that I’m unable to return to the trail. His kind response (with not the least hesitation), “You’re welcome to stay as long as needed.” A great relief–thank you, Caboose! Sure wish i was over this. Never do we seem to possess enough patience. Seem that way to you at times?
Durwin, Jim, Walt–their directive, emphatic and unanimous: “You’re going to the clinic.”
Elmer Hall, my dear friend here, who’s taken me in countless times (at his delightful old Victorian
Sunnybank Inn on Walnut Street), informed me that there’s a really fine, professionally managed medical clinic here in Hot Springs. So, after taking Durwin up a ways to where the trail crosses a road (so he can at least get a few miles in today), Jim and Walt return to Laughing Heart, load me, then deliver me to the clinic promptly at nine.
I’m taken right in. The usual questions, then tests–plus those for Wuhan virus and giardia. The usual (and expected) instructions: Rest, hydrate with electrolytes. Test results, hopefully tomorrow. Tomorrow.
Patience old man, patience…
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting...
(Rudyard Kipling)
