Update on pesky foot problem

We are in the midst of a mini break from hiking prompted initially by the onset of 90 degree temperatures, that only arrive for the weekends. Bullshit! Very similar to January when every weekend was -32 degrees and 67MPH winds, just on the opposite spectrum. 

Last October prior to my surgery I was having foot pain which seemed to be directly related to trail running/hiking and twisting my ankles and generally beating the crap out of myself. It was less that idea but I certainly could understand why it was happening (gone are the days of my early 30's and the "oh gee I have noooo idea why I could possibly be hurt- insert random bullshit reason instead of saying "I'm going too hard." Anyway, long story short is that we went pretty hard last fall and it made sense that I was having some pain and suffering. 

Fast forward to late winter. I had recovered from surgery and was literally a blank slate. Brand new woman. I figured it was a good time to rebuild in a super smart way (again- I'm not 30 anymore. No more "accidentally" running long miles on untrained legs.)

I did everything SO correctly. Walking before running, teeny tiny runs, smaller hikes building to larger ones, and extremely regular trips to see my top notch Chiropractor to get my body running like a well oiled machine. Early on in the winter, I damaged my rotator cuff and subsequently fucked up my back. This was a drag but actually demanded that I make a return to strength training and really prioritize continuing with Chiro/massage/PT etc. 

So long story SHORT. After all this love and care and legit couch to 5k return to athletics, HOW PISSED WAS I when my damn foot began to hurt back in April. I was pretty pissed but figured if I did my due diligence it would go away. So, I iced, stretched and rolled. Did my exercises. Backed wayyyy off on the 3 miles a week I was running. And nothing helped. 

Off to my PCP I went (unless I have bones sticking out of my body I try to go through the steps at home before wasting time to have a Dr tell me to ice/stretch/compress/rest.) My PCP sent me for an x-ray (looked good as expected- although it seems that I fractured my big toe at some point and have a couple extra foot bones. Go figure.) And then she sent me to see a Sports Medicine Dr. 

The Sports Medicine Dr was great. GREAT! She said that I certainly do have Plantar Fasciitis (LAME) and she added a couple steps to my already busy rehab regimen (more agressive rolling, possible dry needling, shoe inserts) AND she suggested a cortisone injection. Sick and tired of having foot pain all day every day, I took her up on that. 

And that brings us to today, weekend 2 of no hiking due once again to 90 degree temps, but also due to the fact that I had that cortisone shot yesterday and need to stay off my feet for a little bit. 

The injection itself was NO big deal at all. My doctor used ultrasound to show me my fascia (very swollen) and explained to me that first, a lidocaine injection would numb the whole area prior to the cortisone shot, and that besides from a little initial pinch I should not feel a thing. This was all correct and it was over before I knew it! It was extremely interesting to see the inner workings of my foot, and to watch the injection take place in real time. 

So far 17 hours in- I would say my foot feels good. I did not have the problem of having a flare up from the cortisone that some people experience. (actually- I would say I felt better instantly.) After 48 quiet hours I'll be able to ease back into my routine and I am VERY hopeful that I get some relief! 

Of course- this injection is NOT a cure and I will continue to be very diligent about my rehab. This has been very obnoxious, and I do not wish to continue with the foot pain of death so I plan to do everything I can to improve. 

Thankfully, I have not been told to back off of my normal activities unless the pain becomes really bad. (my sports dr did say she would NOT recommend beginning to train for a marathon right now, but I can continue to stay active.)

So we'll see how it goes. I'm cautiously optimistic that this injection will improve my comfort and allow me to have better days on my feet. And I'm VERY determined to continue with my rehab and get past this bump in the road. 

Madison, Adams, Jefferson (Clay) #32, 33, 34 of Round 2 of the NH48

We had been waiting for a low wind/not sub zero day to tackle Madison through Washington, and finally landed on it last Sunday, May 8th. 

We arranged for a ride to pick us up at the Cog and drop us off at Appalachia. 

This all went quite well, we were one of two cars at the cog, and one of about eight cars at Appalachia. 

Our driver promised that would not be pulled over this week (good) but mentioned that the car seemed ready to break down (less good) and they then drove us v-e-r-y slowly to our destination which normally would be b-a-d but was mostly fine because we got to hear more of their legit insane stories. Getting a shuttle ride in this area is always an adventure. 

We got off to a slightly late and chilly, but sunny start and did our best to hoof it up Madison speedily. We were sort of successful. I have been struggling with some foot problems, so going super hard hasn't been that thrilling. Plus, it was coats on/off spikes on/off weather which always slows a person down. 

Valley way started dry enough. 

But became hard pack snow/ice about 2.5 miles in. 

The sun was shining beautifully, and we were glad it was not a sneaky hot day like the previous week. It basically hovered around 35-40 until the afternoon. (when it suddenly was 50!)

At the Madison hut, we were able to pull traction to make the final climb to the summit. We also dropped our packs, which makes for a nice break!

We encountered some wind on Madison but managed to get a quick photo. 

We knew the winds would continue to diminish as the day went on, so were continued to Adams with confidence.

Of course, on the way to Adams, the stupid talus fields showed up. 

And then got more intense, as expected....

We made quick work to the summit, and managed to take another pic on our second summit of the day that we had all to ourselves. Not a soul in sight. 

There is something really unique about being on these trails when there is nobody else (or very few) people out there. We really enjoyed the solitude, and took time to enjoy the landscape with no others around. We saw a grand total of 17 people all day, and spent hours at a time seeing absolutely nobody. 

After Adams, the trip to Jefferson took some time. 

There was the coats on/off spikes on/off dance performed at least a half dozen times. Conditions were variable, and having wet shoes from the snow and puddles made dancing over the rocks more tedious. Plus, there is really no way to sugarcoat the fact that my foot was bothering me, and causing me to second guess many of my steps. 

From a distance, we could see the Jefferson snowfield, and even though I had read that it was safe enough to cross, it looked like a dangerous nightmare. 

Thankfully, upon arrival we discovered it was quite alright, unless you decided to be an idiot. 

It was very pretty (you really can not appreciate the steepness!)

Between the snow/rocks/incline we all were feeling the miles as we made the last climb to Jefferson. Honestly though- I always think that once Jeff is checked off the list, the worst of it is over. 

Also, it was the one peak that we didn't have to ourselves (2 other hikers there! First people we has seen since half way between Madison and Adams.) 

Anyway, a couple quick pics. 

Of very pretty everything. 

And we were off to Clay and Washington. 

This stretch of trail can either go by very quickly (it did for me when I did a solo prezi last summer) or it can take for absolutely ever! On this day- it was the latter. The weather was just spectacular, but there was nothing about the conditions to inspire ease or speed.

We debated going over Clay (it doesn't count for a Prezi- but we were not doing that! It does, however, have some of the best views of the Great Gulf and is one of those underrated mountains. So, we decided that an extra few hundred feet of elevation was worth it! 

Sadly, just before we reached the summit, Ellie had had enough. This is RARE for her, and we were both extremely concerned. We knew we had kept her water and food needs well met, so when she ran off the (rocky) trail, and plopped down we assumed her little feet were hurting. (we felt that this was correct when we came too another long stretch of snow, and she pranced happily along!) With this new piece of information, we quickly began to descend. 

Stuff like a sad dog is really worrying and upsetting to us, and the trip down (although fast!) was not very much fun. We have a rescue harness for her, so 100% could carry her if needed, but she was able to get along just fine. At this point, we just felt like bad dog parents and it took the wind out of our sails. (on a side note, she was just fine! She slept a lot the next day but her feet looked good and she was back to her normal self in short order!) (she is better off than I am- my foot got taken to the doctor the next day...)

So this was the longest and trickiest day of the 2022 season for sure. At the same time, it was also beautiful and amazing, and almost completely devoid of other hikers (Mother's Day hiking is a quiet time!) We enjoyed our first real parking lot picnic of the season, and soaked up the sun. 

So.... This checks off 32-34 of round 2 off the 48, checks off all peaks for Spring (well, except Madison, as we got a spring climb in there last year) and all 3 peaks for May. Phew!

Miles: 12

Elevation: 6413

Time: 8:04:59, ugh

Fun: Eric: 7.5 until Ellie broke then it changed to a 2 until we decided she was ok

Sara: 6 because my foot hurt and it was tricky and then a 1 when Ellie broke. 

An epic day-Flume, Liberty (haystack) Lincoln, Lafayette #28-31 of round 2 the NH48

I love big hiking days like this one. Even though this hike "only" logs in at 14 miles, it racks up over 5k elevation and takes you over some pretty decent spring terrain (Ice covered ladders on Osseo Trail anyone??) 

This was our first official "BIG" hike of Spring 2022, and our first time hitting so many peaks in one go for the year. The forecast showed a MONEY day with little to no wind, bluebird skies, and temps in the low to mid 30's (more on that) Needless to say- it was ON and we were super excited to welcome May in with a track over Franconia Ridge. 

We have done the Franconia Loop a couple times, as recently as last August actually. However, this was our first time making a traverse of it, and we were super excited to get after it. (I literally woke up SO PUMPED!)

We saw no need to get a stupid early start, so we casually made our way out planning to begin hiking at 9:00. We had arranged for a shuttle service to pick us up in Franconia at the Falling Waters/Old Bridle Path lot. That transaction began so smoothly, they arrived right on time to pick us up, and all was well. 

Until 4 seconds later when they got pulled over! WHOOPS! so long story short- it was a truly hysterical encounter that involved a missing license plate, a random gun in the glove compartment, and expired registration (with a 14 day printed extension!) and just so, so much on brand extra. I was DELIGHTED, as nothing makes for a better story than a little excitement (and I am a white woman with extreme privilege, I am very lucky not to have to fear for my existence during a routine traffic stop.) So anyway, after the driver and the cop literally became BFF for life, we got on our way. OMG. And yes, I would totally use this shuttle again, they might have been a little chaotic but the driving was fine, and they packed heat so ummmmm safety??? OMG.

ANYWAY. 

It was 60 degrees at Lincoln woods. We melted. The end. 

We hoofed it off along Lincoln Woods, which is a favorite of ours because we can crank up the pace. 

Just over a mile later, we headed up Osseo and it was just lovely (for a while...) 

We both stripped down to the bare minimum attire because it was hot AF! NOT ready for temps in the 60's FOR SURE. We comforted ourselves with the "knowledge" that it would be 20 degrees cooler at the summits. 

About 3.5 miles in the snow showed up. At this point, it was mostly packed snow ice crap but it definitely required spikes. 

I'm pretty sad that I didn't take a picture of the famous/infamous Osseo Ladders but HONESTLY they required full and complete attention on this particular day. They were fully frozen and each step had to be taken with the utmost care. We made it up unscathed- but thankful we did not have to go down them! 

After the ladders, the remainder of the trek to Flume was just tedious uphill work through unconsolidated spring snow. And the temps remained well in the 50's causing us a bit of grief. And sweating. And cursing....

BUT, we made it, and it was glorious. 

We had to take 5 minutes for various photo ops. 

To visit the snowman. 

To appreciate the rocky face of Flume. You know, the usual. 

The stretch between Flume and Liberty had probably the best (snow) trail conditions of the day- probably since it was still pretty shady. We made the trip between peaks very quickly and took in our second view of the day. 

From there, it is a 1.8 mile SLOG to Haystack. No idea what this trail is like in the Summer, but it was a fairly untraveled route and truly suffering from the mid week snow dump, and the rapid melt in the (still) very warm temps. 

This walk was a lot longer and harder than it should have been, but it was a lovely day and we were in good moods. (and trying to remember to embrace Beast Mode and Tough Training Miles and EXTREME hiking and all that....)

But to be honest, we were both happy to finally get to Haystack and to stand on top of the Ridge! (where it was still WELL into the 50's! Thank heavens we had thoroughly sunscreened pre hike...)

It was satisfying too look back at the two peaks we had already CRUSHED.

Spikes off. Snacks had. And the walk across the ridge began! 

No matter the conditions, walking across Franconia Ridge is always a super experience. The walk from Haystack to Lafayette took longer than usual/than expected simply due to the conditions (some bare ground, plenty of water, snow, slush, more water, the usual for May.) We also had to stop and filter water from a little snow melt stream (it tasted legitimately like a mountain glacier!) We also procrastinated a little because we were hot (it was hot...)

We also became distracted by gliders flying over! It was amazing!

We did finally make to Lafayette which never fails to be impressive. You basically tower over all the other little mountains you just walked over and it is a good feeling. 

And then.... The shit bag descent! What a mess. MESS. MESS! The trail to the Greenleaf Hut was laughably BAD. Completely unstable mashed potato ankle deep slush mess. We laughed and laughed and I fell down in it about 60 times and we laughed some more. SPRING is CRAZY! 

Old Bridle Path was marginally better, and while we didn't really make up any time, we also did not continue to lose time by falling over in the slush a million times. 

We finally made it back to the parking lot (where it was about 70 degrees!) and were were glad to be done, hahaha. 

Overall, it really was an amazing day and a good combo of type 1 and type 2 fun. Still pretty low crowds (it was no zero person Easter- but we counted 65 other hikers and that's about 500 less than you'll see up there in August.)

SO. Yes. A big day, a fun day, a warm day and a slushy day. 

This trek checked off Flume, Liberty, Lincoln and Lafayette for May, for Spring, and for this round of the 48!

Miles: 13.73

Elevation: 5349

Time: 7:24:18

Fun: Eric: Type-1 fun: 7 Type-2 fun: 8.5

Sara: Type-1 fun: 7 Type-2 Fun: 9.5

Moosilauke, #27 of round 2 of the NH48

Every time we hike the Moose it is overcast, so we knew it was meant to be when Saturday April 30th was, indeed, overcast. We had been waiting for a "low-ish wind day" since the summit is so exposed, and at 20MPH it wasn't perfect, but it was good enough. 

It's a 2 hour drive for us, possibly the farthest peak out of the 48. (Nope, actually if we are able to drive to the trailhead, Osceola via Tripoli Rd clocks in at a 2:10 drive. So close, but not a winner, Moose.)

The winter gate was open (yay! no road walk) and there were about 20 or so cars parked in various places along the road. 

The mountains had received a poorly timed snow fall earlier in the week, so we were unsurprised when we had to don spikes less than a quarter mile in. Typical April, you almost see Spring on the horizon and then a foot of snow drops. Gross. 

Early spikes aside, the trail had been well packed out and was in super condition. (That would be Gorge Brook trail by the way, a popular route as it is reasonably gradual, all the water crossings are bridged, and the trail is quite safe and meticulously maintained.)

As we continued up the trail, winter became more and more evident. 

Remembering the way the clouds rolled in at the summit last time we were here (August 2019) we stopped to take a quick pic at the first viewpoint. 

While it was windy and cool (27) at the summit, the clouds were high enough so that we could see all around us. 

We didn't linger much- as it was pretty brisk.

Still winter here! 

From the summit to South peak the snow got fairly stupid! Full blown drifts and winder madness. 

A quick stop on South for a couple more views, and we headed down. (Carriage rd and snapper trails- definitely the roads less traveled today!)

It turned into a decent day on the way down, a little sun quickly turned the trail to mashed potato, but the snow amounts diminished as we descended. We found just enough to let Ellie leap for some snowballs, which she was delighted about!

So all in all- another good mountain day. Slightly persnickety conditions, but low low crowd levels (higher than the past couple weeks, but the head count was still in the low 20's.) for whatever reason my legs/feet were not having a super day, which caused me to lower my "fun rating" but that happens- even when I have a crap leg day it's still fun being out there. I'm annoyed at the flare up my foot seems to be having at the moment, it's been on and off all spring but seems to be popping up at weird times (like- Friday was relatively low key- why did my foot hurt from step one today??)

Miles: 7.9 (no roadwalk today!)

Elevation: 2653

Time: 3:27:36 (like a literal hour PR)

Fun: Eric 7.5, Me 6.5

Carrigain, #26 of round 2 of the NH48

April 24 was expected to be wind free but cloudy, and we decided it was a good day for Carrigain. We actually JUST did Carrigain in September so it felt pretty familiar. We had an amazing day last year so figured if the views sucked we had already seen it. 

*I should mention, that the views from this hill are stunning- you can see EVERYTHING, and it is a mountain to save for a perfect day*

We parked at the road and did the 2 mile road walk to the Signal Ridge Trailhead. 

It was a pretty nice day with dry lovely trails for quite some time. It made for a nice walk and a good start!

 

There really was no "there's a little snow, and a little more....." Suddenly, the snow just was THERE. 

The conditions were outstanding though. It was NOT a winter wonderland for a change- and also not so warm that things were turning to soup. Basically perfect. 

We stopped on the ridge prior to the summit to soak in the views. We also were thankful for the lack of wind. While you can limit your exposure by minimizing time on the little ridge and the summit- you would not love it here in a gale force day. 

We scooted right up the final half mile and were thrilled to find that the clouds were high enough to allow for amazing views in every direction. 

I climbed the tower for some bonus visuals. 

Mostly of myself....

We congratulated ourselves for being so fit, hahaha. 

Another lucky weather day on a perfect mountain! 2/2 for Carrigain delivering the goods. 

It was extremely quiet on this hill, we only saw 3 other hikers. Amazing. In the summer this trail is a conveyor belt of chaos- so if you don't mind the extra 4 miles with the road walk, April is a nice time to enjoy a spectacular location with low/no crowds. We really enjoyed this hike again- and appreciated that the snow smoothed out the little rocks that pave signal ridge the majority of the time. (pretty typical feelings for us to have in winter.) 

We made extremely good time on the way down, and enjoyed the warmest (50 degree!) weather of the season. It was a good workout, despite the pretty flat "warm up" there is a good amount of relentless "up" on this hike. One expects that when mountain climbing, but we continue to express our shock every week when we discover the need to gain vert. 

Miles: 14.1 (4 mile road walk)

Elevation: 3866

Time: 5:35:56

Fun: I said 9, Eric said 8.5