First off, if you have ever wondered if there are good people left in this world, there are, they are on the AT. Last night, in a sleeting storm with 38 degree temps, I began to pass a kidney stone at the Wayah Bald shelter. Needless to say being hypothermic and passing a kidney stone are not a good mix. The Tramily at the shelter who didn't know me from Adam, sprang into action. Someone had cell service, called Zen from Gooder Grove Hostel, (highly recommended) got Zen to meet us at the fire tower, packed up my gear, AND Rocky, a 5'2" 110lb amazing person, carried my pack, the mile back up to the fire tower while supporting me to push on. PS, I am 6'5" 250lb person, and my pack is sized accordingly. Rocky, Zen and my hiking partners got me in a car and down to the hostel into a bed and off the trail. I woke up this morning in less pain, but still hurt quite a lot. Nothing I could do about the kidney stones, but I could have done more careful planning and more realistic mileage. Once I saw it would be raining in near freezing conditions, I could have rescheduled. I need to pay closer attention to water consumption.
All that said, thank you to Rocky, Care Bear, Sparky, and the rest of the crew. I hope you stop in at the Rivers Edge and find the beers I left for you. I hope you have an amazing hike, and I hope that karma is as generous with you as you were to me last night.