It is just walking right? That is what I tell myself over and over, day after day. One foot in front of the other will take you to places you only dreamed about. Some of those steps are not all rainbows and sunshine.

Doing a long distance hike takes so much planning. You plan for the known factors and hope you are prepared for those that are unforeseen. We have done this before so we should be more prepared than others. Well unfortunately, having so many foot issues after just two days, was not what I was expecting.

Our training included hiking in our chosen shoes and socks so our feet would be used to all the little rubs and aches that come with new hiking shoes. Someone should have told my feet that they already knew what to expect. My feet were so taken off guard…..they rebelled like a teenager! It started with one small blister on each foot, which is perfectly normal. It is what happened next that threw me into panic mode. My feet began to swell from the heat. Not just a little, but so much my toes did not even touch the ground when I walked without shoes. Yep, I had Fred Flintstone feet! This then caused more blisters and three black toenails that I am just waiting to fall off.

We had to take a couple days off trail to try and repair my tired, sore feet. I ordered a new pair of shoes and had them shipped to me. This was going to make everything better and we could get back to focusing on our miles. We left Julian and headed out with a new supply of Band-Aids, moleskin and Leukotape!! Two days later we arrived in Warner Springs…..I was limping and my blisters had multiplied.

My morale was beginning to wain. How could this be happening to me? What is different this hike that is leaving me completely tortured and with blisters like that of a new hiker? We took another day off trail soaking and poking blisters. I knew I had only a few short days before the next outfitter, but somehow I had to get myself there. Off to Idyllwild we went.

Once in Idyllwild, we had a day to resupply, send Home any extra gear we didn’t need and yes……go to the outfitter for blister help. The help came in the form of new shoes. Three pairs in less than 200 miles! If this wasn’t going to work nothing would.

I have been wearing my new shoes a few days now with no new issues, swelling is reducing and all but two blisters have healed. Knock on wood…..maybe this will be the answer to my prayers.

I am so thankful that my feet were able to carry me over some very tough terrain. Up and over Mt. San Jacinto! Honestly, I never once thought of my feet, but my anxiety and fear of this particular mountain was in high gear. I broke down in tears many times while we were heading up. Just the thought of our decent was making me ill. I don’t know how, but I made it down and feel I won!

We have definitely been faced with unexpected challenges and my fears, but together we have been able to push through. We have met some great friends and their support and encouragement makes each day bright. I am lucky to have the best hiking partner in Sean. He knows when to push me and when to help me. There will be so many more challenges ahead, but I know together we can conquer almost anything.

Happy Trails,

Sean and Gina