23rd June
0 miles
Twin Lakes (983.6)
I woke with all the best intentions of leaving. I had breakfast and certainly felt a bit better than previous days. But something is still not right. I’m tired, weak, nauseous and my stomach is a bit bloated.
Many years ago I traveled to Africa, well, I’ve traveled there a couple of times. On the first trip I picked up Malaria in Cameroon. That wasn’t fun.
On the second trip I picked up a parasite called schistosomiasis or bilharzia. This parasite fell in love with my liver and weakened me the same way I feel now. Which got me thinking. Is it really the altitude or are there some hitchhiking parasites in my body. The most common parasite in this part of the world is Giardia. I have medication to combat Giardia. Should I take it, it can’t do any harm. If I still feel average I’ll get some tests done in a couple of days.
So I took the medicine to kill the Giardia. And promptly fell asleep. I can’t remember the last time I slept in a bed during the middle of the day. This trail is brutal. In every way. I guess that’s why the term ’embrace the brutality’ is used by CDT hikers.
By the afternoon I had stomach cramps. My stomach was making all kinds of noises. I couldn’t handle eating food, my appetite has disappeared. Maybe I do have parasites and they are dying inside me.
It’s times like these I need to dig deep. Every part of me just wants to be in a quiet room watching a movie or mindless tv. The last place I want to be is on the trail. Having said that I’m not quitting. I’ll have a good nights sleep and see how I feel in the morning.
my home for the night
Next – Day 68 I just hiked 1000 miles
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Hope you feel better. Hate to see you take off by yourself when you aren’t 100%. Love the pictures, Colorado is just beautiful. (so are naked hikers) Take care and drink plenty of water!
Cheers Karen, I’m not 100% but I’m still moving northbound
G’day cobber,
Good to hear your stories. Living life. Ian J Hutton at Yirrkala
Hey Ned, good to hear from you buddy. I hope sunny downtown Yirrkala is treating you well.
Hey Shepherd, this is Thomas, Trevor’s brother. I saw Elizabeth Campbell’s post offering you a place to stay if you need it. Just wanted to offer my assistance as well. I’m in Denver so if there’s anything you need between Leadville and Steamboat don’t hesitate to ask.
Thanks Thomas, I’m giving it another 24 hours to see how I feel. If I’m still not doing too well I’ll get myself checked out. Thanks I’ll let you know
Perhaps it is time to go to the doctor?
Possibly, I’m giving it another 24 hours
Hi Brad
I have nothing but admiration for what you have achieved so far. Having had a couple of parasites myself, it sounds like you have something. Take it easy, mate. Get better first before you get going again! Whatever you do everyone will know that you have given this trek your very best shot. Take care.
Phil
Thanks Phil, I’m back on trail. Not 100% but better.
Thinking of you and hoping everything settles down. I think I have a pic of you suffering from malaria in Cameroon.
Yes you sent me that photo of me suffering. That was not a good illness, I’m not 100% but still able to love forward
I am so sorry you aren’t feeling well and hope you are back to 100% very soon! You are doing a great job of listening to your body tell you when it’s time to rest.
Thanks Heather. I’m back on trail today, hopefully I’ll be fine
Stay healthy! And listen your body… that´s a good advice.
I will Paulo
HI. Shepard, I am ABC’s mother and I will be driving to Monarch to drop ABC and his sister off on Sunday He had a medical issue that we hope is resolved. Spontaneous is spending Monday night with us before heading south to get back on the trail. If you need a break you are welcome to spend a couple of nights with us in Evergreen. I can get both of you back to Twin Lakes or Leadville to continue on Tuesday AM. If not, you are welcome to spend the evening at our home when you cross I-70. We can pick you up, drive 25 minutes to our home and feed you a healthy dinner, do laundry and get you back on the trail the next day. Let us know. We really love all of your posts.
Wow, thank you for the kind offer. I will keep it in mind. I’m about to head off hiking towards Breckenridge, even though I’m not 100%. I’m going to listen to my body, if I’m still not well I’ll get off near Leadville or Breckenridge. Thank you
This is turning into quite a test for you. Trust yourself – you will do the right thing.
More than you can imagine and more than I thought. I shall make it through
I hope you start feeling better soon, Shepherd! I’ve been following you since you hiked the PCT last year and really enjoy reading about your adventures.
I hope so too Chelsi, thanks
Stay strong! But also listen to your body.
I shall try, thanks