Infections + Trail Angels + Southern Hospitality = Magic

The first week went fine—better than fine, actually—it was amazing! But now I’m in my second week, and medical concerns have popped up.

Every time I sit down to reflect on that first week, my mind keeps going back to right now. So I’m going to stop fighting it and just write about what’s happening in the moment. The other posts—first week, first town day, trail name, the whole shebang—can come later.

Right now? My feet are messed up, and I’m freaked out about it. I’ve got a nasty ingrown toenail and some infected blisters between my R2 and R3 toes. The location makes it hard for them to air out, even with Injinji socks and moleskin.

But in the midst of all this discomfort, I’ve experienced some insane trail magic.

While trying to find an urgent care, I met a former thru-hiker named Milk Money, who offered to drive me around, bought me food—the whole nine yards of southern hospitality. He and his family stayed with me for hours while I waited to see a doctor.

I’ve been told this kind of generosity is common on the trail, but I didn’t expect to experience it so early—or so intensely.

In therapy, we sometimes suggest volunteer work for clients struggling with depression. The idea is, helping others gets you out of your head—a reversal of one of depression’s hallmark symptoms. A lot of the trail angels I’ve talked to echo a similar sentiment: that giving back is, in itself, deeply rewarding.

The truth is, the trail wouldn’t exist in the same way without these trail angels. And that realization stirs something in me—it makes me want to find ways to give back too.

I’m incredibly grateful for the kindness I’ve experienced today, even as I’m scared about the potential of having to come off trail because of my feet. I’m starting to feel stir-crazy from being off my feet for so long. But I’m choosing to focus on the good.

The trail provides.

Appreciate y’all.

Pumba out!

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