I woke up Friday night feeling horrible. I was was running a fever, had body aches and chills. I lay in my hammock miserable and unsure what to do about it. I convinced myself that I had Lyme disease, even though I had not ever found a tick on me and didn’t have a rash. I lay in my hammock, bones aching, and tossed and turned the rest of the night( not easy in a hammock by the way) and listened to the rain fall.

About 6am I texted Rocky to tell her I couldn’t hike. I also texted Anisse and asked her to call me when she woke up. When Rocky woke up she went into town in the rain to get us water and some food. It finally occurred to me to take some of the medicine I had on hand, so I took 3 Advil and went back to sleep.

Rocky came back with water, ginger ale, crackers, and an apple. I had some crackers and ginger ale and went back to sleep. Later in the morning and after a telephone visit with my favorite doctors, Dr. Sircar and Dr. Martin, I was reassured that it was most likely not Lyme disease, just a virus. I have had my flu and COVID shots so hopefully, whatever this is will be a mild case.

I slept until noon and texted Rocky, who had graciously agreed to zero with me, that I had decided to get a hotel so I could clean up and get some proper rest. She decided to join me. We waited for a break in the rain and packed up our wet camp. We had to hike about a mile into town to get an Uber. Rocky led the way and I sort of shuffled along behind her trying not to keel over.

We made it to the hotel where I showered and crashed after more meds. Rocky got my laundry done and started spreading out our gear so that it could dry. I pretty much slept and shivered.