July 26. Ups and Downs

Woke up to rain, hiked anyway knowing we were three miles away from Mt Greylock and breakfast. Windy at the summit but great views of Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts. From there we had a slippery steep downhill hike. I've fallen enough that I try to be soooo cautious. Then it happened...

I tripped going down. I tried to catch myself on a large rock but my hand slipped. I heard the bridge of my nose hit the rock. I can't tell you all that flew through my mind but thought I'd blown it this time. Being the woman, I cried. There was blood but Mark confirmed there were no cuts. I was shook and my face felt numb. Took some time to gather up enough gumption to take off my pack and sit up. I didn't want to walk anymore at least for today. My thoughts were something like this; I can't take it anymore, have I lost my mind to be out here in the first place, how many falls is going to take for me to recognize the danger I am in......

What choice was there other than suck it up and hike on. So I put my big girl panties on and we hiked to the road and tried to evaluate. I had swollen some but not too bad. We want to get to Manchester by Sunday so have a hefty goal. It would've been easy to stop for the day but wanted to stay strong. I am glad I did because it felt good to overcome the fear and just go.

We made it to the Seth Warner Shelter. We made it to Vermont. Yeah!!!

We met Andrea and her father, Bill. Andrea is hiking the state of Vermont in hopes of doing a through hike. We enjoyed talking with them and hope to hear about her experience.

Mark took a picture of my nose. He said it looks good. I am sure if it worsens by morning, he will take another.

We are in the tent and it is raining again. Hope it clears up in the morn. I could use a dry hike :)

5:30 AM. Pouring Rain