My new knee survived a 19.5 mile hike this week on the Ozark Highlands Trail. Started on Friday and finished on Sunday. It rained on us Friday Night and Saturday day. Great company from Troop 200 in Heber Springs. It is really amazing to think that on May 9th I had my right knee replaced and on June 1st I was still using my left leg to lift my right leg into the bed but I walked every bit of the hike with a 40 pound backpack on my back. It got heavier as the clothes got wetter. I never thought that I would sweat that much on December 26th and December 27th. I lost 7 pounds on the hike. I have to admit that I am the slowest hiker in the entire group but I did finish the hike. Jim Godush did carry a very wet tent for me on Saturday and Sunday. I am going to have more problems with my feet than my knees, I will lose 5 toenails this week because my boots were too short and going downhill my toes kept hitting the toe on the boot and fluid has built up under my toenails. I had the same problem after my 2012 Philmont Hike, I bought larger boots but apparently did not buy the right kind because my foot still slipped in them because I did not have them tight enough. I really enjoyed the company of the 5 boys and Bob House, Jim Godush, Scott Thompson, Marlin Partney, Rocky Togni, Mike Foster and Sandy Brooks Foster. Great views and wonderful memories. I was so slow I never had any chance to take pictures so if you have some please send them to me. I also crossed the coldest creek I have ever put my foot in on Saturday evening right before we camped. It was mid calf for everyone else but was over my knees. In case you cant tell that why my hiking stride is shorter than everyone elses. I learned a lot from some very experienced scouters and thanks for the invite. I am looking forward to doing the Philmont experience with you in June.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 16:55:57 +0000