goodbye, Mammoth

Day 56 ~ miles 906.8 - 917

Everyone awoke fairly early and cleared out of our campsite, scattering in various directions for breakfast, coffee, or to find a ride out of town.  We knew we could get part of the way back to the trail via the public transportation system in Mammoth, which didn't start running until 9.  We got coffee as we watched the minutes slowly tick by and our uneasy feeling grew.  Maybe we were so anxious because of the uncertainty of the future our hike?  Maybe we were just antsy to get out of town?

We took a series of 2 buses to arrive at the Mammoth ski resort, where we promptly stuck our thumbs out.  Within 15 or so minutes, we were in a car with a nice French couple, who kindly went out of their way to drive us all the way to Red's Meadow, where we'd gotten off the trail.  What a relief, though I still had a strange uneasy feeling.

One more indulgence before we got on the trail, we had ice cream, chips, and soda.  I strapped my big, heavy boot onto my pack and we headed back to the trail.  There were so many poorly marked trail junctions that it took us nearly an hour to get on the right track.

We hiked slow, as our morale was low, but luckily the terrain was gentle.  Since the trail was fairly smooth, I decided to try hiking with my boot on.  It worked out surprisingly well, and I ended up hiking about 6 miles in it.  We are camped alone, and I think our  collective mental state has improved slightly.  Tomorrow is a new day!

Sideways gets the boot

Day 55 ~ another zero in Mammoth Lakes

We reluctantly checked out of our hotel, after requesting a late check out.  We had too much fun last night!  We were awaiting a phone call from the doctor to let me know when I could pick up my boot.  What to do in the meantime....eat!  We finally heard from the doctor and walked across town to pick up my new magic shoe.  The thing is big, mid-calf high, and heavy, about 3 or 4 pounds.  I immediately put it on, adjusted it properly, and fastened it up.  It felt amazing!  To walk and not have my foot or ankle or anything move or bend was such a relief. 

Now, to get back to the trail.  We had a feeling this would be difficult, as the trail is way up at the very end of a curvy, mountainous road.  As we waited at the town trolley stop, which would take us a little closer to the trail, we saw a bunch of hikers who had stayed in the condo last night; we thought were leaving town today.  The said they'd tried to get a ride for 2 hours, and were giving up.  It was late afternoon, and we figured we'd likely have trouble getting out of town as well. 

We all reserved a campsite at the Forest Service campground right in town.  I think this worked out for the best, as I can rest my foot for the day.  Since we decided to stay, we had the opportunity/time to visit the Mammoth Brewing Company.  We had been daydreaming of this for hundreds of miles, but were too busy yesterday to stop in.  So glad we made it! 

We feel anxious to get back to the trail.  We feel trapped in this expensive, character-lacking tourist town, with no way out.  We better find a way out tomorrow!

an unrestful day off

Day 54 ~ zero in Mammoth Lakes

We spent our day off in Mammoth Lakes completing our usual town chores, eating, and hanging out for many hours at a doctor's office/hospital.  I've been having right foot pain for about 250 miles.  Despite taking vitamin I, elevating it every night, and icing it with snow or in a frigid stream at every opportunity, the pain has continued to worsen.  

So, the diagnosis: a stress fracture.  Ouch.  Not what we wanted to hear.  The recommendation: rest.  Definitely not what we wanted to hear!  The doctor recommended an orthopedic boot, which I'll pick up tomorrow.  We didn't really discuss how this may impact our hike.  I think inside we're both frightened, so we'd rather not talk about it.

We went to a rental condo that was packed with 12 or so hikers to hang out and de-stress after our unrestful day off.  Do we really have to go back to the trail tomorrow?!

a fire under our butts

Day 53 ~ miles 886ish - 906.8

We slept late again...we have been making a habit of that lately!  I guess our bodies shut off their internal alarms when they really need to.  We have been exhausted!  The plan for the day was to get as close to Red's Meadow as possible (our exit point for Mammoth Lakes), and head into town early in the morning.

A few miles in for the day, and we passed an older (than us) pair that we met briefly on the trail a couple of weeks ago.  They said that they were planning to head into town today.  Moonshine and I exchanged glances, said our farewells to the 2, and headed on.  After hiking on for a few minutes, we agreed that if they could make it into town today, we could definitely make it.  It lit an intensely motivating fire under our butts and we took off.  We hiked hard and as fast as we could with minimal breaks.  We were nearing Red's Meadow, and were about 5-6 miles out when storm clouds began to brew - uh-oh.  Motivation to hike faster grew as the clouds darkened and thunder rumbled.  I was nearly running down the trail at times.  We made it to the safety of Red's Meadow store just as it began to rain, around 5:30...the trail provides!

We bought some chips and drinks and chatted with a lovely couple from Knoxville, small world!   They had already arranged a ride into town with Sugar Mama (a trail angel and former thru-hiker), so we were able to squeeze into the car as well, perfect!

We checked into the Motel 6, where we got clean, ordered the worst and most expensive pizza ever, and lounged while watching tv.  Taking a day off tomorrow, we've earned it!