Well, it is over. After a week off the trail, resting, getting treatments, stretching, the knee is still very tender and will not abide the extra 40 pounds. I had trouble carrying Andrew and his 20 pounds, especially down the stairs.
The Physical Therapist’s diagnosis without the help of a MRI is a strained Illiotibial band, the ligament on the outside of the knee. That is good news in that it means there is no structural damage. She recommended 2 to 3 weeks of rest, therapy, stretching, etc., and then take it easy when we start hiking again, like 2-3 days on the trail, then 1-2 days of rest.
We decided that wasn’t practical for us, living so far from the trail, and it would prevent us from finishing in a year anyway. So we made the decision to call it off, try to get some healing, and then perhaps hiking for shorter periods of time in the future.
We are planning a 3 week hike next summer. Anyone want to tag along? We learned an awful lot about long distance hiking, and one of the things we learned is all kinds of people in all kinds of physical shape, can hike for a couple of weeks.
We are thankful for the time we had. We really did have a blast. We made 548 miles of the AT, just over ¼ the total distance. See the blog below for a longer account of our last days on the trail, how we realized we needed to stop, and how God showed up even in the disappointment.
7 comments:
Rodger and Jennifer:
I am so sorry to hear that y'all have had to postpone the completion of your grand adventure. Rest, relax and recuperate! God bless you! -- Bill R.
Sorry Guys,
You accomplished a lot - I am proud of you & your adventure - there is always the Master's Program & you could hike somewhere else in the world. Get well
Dave
You're the first folks I have ever known that have hike 548 miles at one time. Take great pleasure in knowning the expriences you have had up to this point for two months. PTL it isn't terribly serious and you will be able to continue the adventure maybe not the way you had planned but we know who knows the Best.
IT has been so fun to with you on your adventure by your blog. We are in West Yellowstone and saw a bunch of animals today including our first Grizzly in the park eating on an elk. Luckly he was 600+ yards away.
Rob Lee
Matt 5:16
We are sorry to hear about your knee Rodger. We pray for quick healing for you! Even though your adventure took some unexpected turns and ending, it will be a time of many memories and laughs! We are so happy you got the opportunity to do as much as you did! We are excited to see what the Lord has in store for you off the trail. We love you and miss you both!
Rodger and Jen:
What a relief it must be to learn that the knee is not a "surgical candidate." :)
Making the decision to discontinue must have been a disappointment, but I offer this platitude: much satisfaction in a great thing come from attempting it?
Carolyn and I think of you often and pray for you. We look forward to seeing you upon your return.
Eric and Carolyn
Sorry guys..I sure loved your posts. I hope you feel better Rog. Brad
Hey Rodger and Jennifer, I've been on some vacation days and just getting caught up on these things. I'm sorry and thankful for word from the doctor. I'll look forward hearing of the journey thus far and I'll be waiting to read more about it in the future as you guys return to the trail.
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