My daughter “Sassafras” and I started a northbound A.T. thru hike attempted 3/21/13. We made it to Fort Montgomery NY on 7/2/13. At that time we took 3 days off due to a foot infection that Sassafras has in both her feet. We attempted to hike on 3 days later and she felt terrible. I knew she needed more time off and have her feet heal up. We went home and saw her Doctor. She needed to be off her feet for at least 2 weeks with antibiotics and foot soaks. At that time we decided that her hike was over. We would not have been able to be back at a reasonable time to start school and just as important she felt she was done. She was ready to be home. She is such a level headed kid, she is proud of what she accomplished and still talks of being a triple crowner some day but has no desire to continue this year.
I tried to get back on the trail and continue the hike but it did not feel right without my daughter. I wanted to be home with my family. Now I am trying to get back to work as soon as possible. The trip was expensive. We took more zero's than I had imagined due to the wet/cold weather and the desire to warm up and dry out our gear. I believe Sassafras's feet would have not got as bad if her feet were not soaked for days at a time.
I don’t considerate my self a deep thinker, but I am now trying to get my mind around the last 4 months and what to make of it. I do not know if or when I could attempt another thru hike, I know that it could not be with my daughter, she is such a strong hiker we would need to hike different hikes. I also wounder what to think about a 2/3 thru hike and what that means. I know I as very blessed to have been able to try this and to spend 4 months on the trail with my daughter, I just with it was more enjoyable for her.
Any thoughts you have would be appreciated. Kaboose