Looking for advice on how to continue my hike. Here is the situation.
I developed a stress fracture in my left tibia. Doc says six weeks on crutches. Three months before I should consider resuming backpacking. I have been avoiding reading TJ and WB because it bums me out. After a couple of weeks being laid-up at home I am going stir crazy and understand the need to face this head on.
The good news is I am starting to think about how I can complete the trail. Let's assume I can start hiking again in late July or early August. I believe I have four main options:
(1) Pickup where I left off at Erwin. I could probably reach PA or NJ before winter sets in. Then finish next year. Down side is I would be hiking without a lot of other thru-hikers. Upside is it would be contiguous.
(2) Estimate where the NoBO pack would be and start from there. Make it to the Big-K with other NoBo'rs. Then pickup where I started and head south. Downside is I might not make it back to Erwin before winter sets in. Upside is hiking with other NoBo'rs for a couple of months.
(3) Start at Katahdin and hike south to Erwin. I might catch up with some SoBo'rs. Downside is winter catching up with me and fewer thruhikers to hike with. Upsides are crossing paths with the NoBo'rs I know as well as a good shot at finishing this year.
(4) Hike as many two week section hikes as possible this year and have as much fun as possible! Finish up next year anyway I can. In other words, be layed back and take it as it comes.
Bottom-line is that I am still committed to finishing the trail. As they say: HYOH. This will be my hike!!