Day 26

Had examination with orthopedist and no obvious signs of major damage to my ankle so will start physical therapy for strengthening.   At this point feels more like a sprain than the sharp pain I had with heavy pack on rough terrain.  Hopefully I can return to the trail next month.  Thanks for following the blog and all your support and prayers. !   😀 I posted below photos in last couple of days on hike and am reposting as I forgot to mention to note the damage from this summer/fall's wildfire.  It was evident along lots of areas on the hike, but particularly on the trip around Stsnding Indian.  Literally tens of thousands of acres have burned in the National Forrests and designated Wildernesses. Most of the fire damage can be seen along the Forrest floor.  Where the deadfall and organic debris buildup burned down to the soil base. In several places the trail is now a foot higher than the Forrest floor where the buildup of leaf debris was particularly deep  You may want to view photos on computer screen to see full scale of fire damage. Cudos to Forrest Service and firefighters for their efforts to build backfires and protect the shelters and campgrounds.  All for now. 

Day 24/25

Made trip back to ATL and resting till Doctor appt on Monday. 

Day 23

Camped in Rhotodendron thicket. Overnight at Bear Pen Gap had rain and a major thunderstorm.   Nothing like sleeping inside a cloud full of lightening bolts!  🌩 Pretty morning and took some pain meds and did lots of stretching in tent to make sure my ankle was recouperated.   First footstep outside of tent my ankle pain was no better. So I decided I had to get off the mountain for medical attention.   Made the trip with assistance off mountain to Franklin NC. Visited the local emergency room.  Which did X-ray to confirm no broken bones. Which I was pretty sure was a ligament type of injury.  Stayed overnight at Budget Inn and Nancy made appt in Atlanta w orthopedist specializing in feet for Monday. 

Day 22

Leaving Carter Gap Shelter in am hoping to summit Albert Mountain this evening difficult climb from Mooney Gap towards Albert Mountain.  On climb up to Bear Pen Gap I felt and heard something snap in my right ankle.  Tented at Bear Pen Gap. 

Day 20 b

Left plumb orchard Gap Shelter and steady until hill climb to Bye Gap for camp overnight. Complete the Ga section of the trail today.  So in conjunction w my previous section hiking I've walked all of GA, NC and TN to VA state legislature be.   Another landmark on the state line is the "Narly Tree" Some views of trail through the woods. 

Day 21b

Overnight the shelter was at capacity of five and we were joined by seven college spring break students in the Sierra Club from Mich State  They arrived soaked from cold rain and we made room for all twelve of us in the shelter to stay warm and dry overnight.  Views of trail and vistas from top of Standing Indian Mountain. 5500 ft elevation.  The climb was long but gradual with good weather and views.  I made Carter Gap Shelter for night and slept on in tent.    A few people at the shelter I had visited with before including Big Foot and Little Foot. (Lady and five year old son through hikers)!  

A few pictures

Here's a few pictures from when George, Ruby, and I went to visit my dad in North Georgia! We picked him up at Unicoi Gap on February 26th and took him to nearby Helen, GA. We walked through the town and then enjoyed a tasty German meal! My dad was happy to see his grand dog, and Ruby was very happy to see her fellow red beard!