Another injury

[T-BACK]

Hope you all are doing well. I have managed to hurt my back enough to have to return home for a few weeks (hopefully this will not end my hike). I caused a rockslide on the Alabama section of the Pinhoti. After several hours I managed to get myself back onto the trail and then to a trail head where I was picked up by a ranger from Cheaha State Park. I had incredable back pain, a swollen knee and a twisted ankle. I gave myself three days and when my back was still causing me a lot of pain, I decided to bail. I took a Greyhound bus home and met a couple of hobo's who gave me some tips about hopping trains to get anywhere I want to go. I am really bummed out at having made this decision and my heart is aching to be hiking again. Even my dreams are consumed with hiking. All this has given me to serious consideration of a modified hike. I am thinking of sectioning the AT portion since I have already hiked from Springer to Erwin TN. and then maybe flip flopping SOBO. I could also finish the Pinhoti and and then head to Katadin for a SOBO If I managed to make it to the hangout, is any one headed anywhere near north Alabama on their way home who could shuttle me back if I help with gas?
I guess I'm looking at all this the wrong way. After my surgery I was told that I would be lucky to be able to walk without severe pain and to have control over my bladder and bowels. The fact that I have walked this far is quite an accomplishment for my 70 year old back. Still, you know where my heart is, the trail is now my mistress.

PS: Someone tried to give me a new trail name. My whole name is Raymond Brian Darsey, she wanted to call me RAYDAR...What do you guys think?

[gunn parker]

Hi
So sorry to hear of your accident, I hope you get well very soon and I guess you are lucky to be hiking at all after what your doctor said.

RAYDAR reminds me of the old MASH tv show, not sure if thats good or bad

All the best
Gunn

[warbonnetguy]

man, sorry to hear that, glad you were at least able to get out of the situation on your own accord. i hope you will recover enough to continue. didn't realize you were so old, you must be one tough s.o.b. i hope i'm able to do things like that when i'm your age. i wish you the best of luck in your recovery and beyond.

everyone is changing their name lately, i can't remember who's who. raydar does sound pretty cool though.

[Bug-Bait]

Hope you all are doing well. I have managed to hurt my back enough to have to return home for a few weeks (hopefully this will not end my hike). I caused a rockslide on the Alabama section of the Pinhoti. After several hours I managed to get myself back onto the trail and then to a trail head where I was picked up by a ranger from Cheaha State Park. I had incredable back pain, a swollen knee and a twisted ankle. I gave myself three days and when my back was still causing me a lot of pain, I decided to bail. I took a Greyhound bus home and met a couple of hobo's who gave me some tips about hopping trains to get anywhere I want to go. I am really bummed out at having made this decision and my heart is aching to be hiking again. Even my dreams are consumed with hiking. All this has given me to serious consideration of a modified hike. I am thinking of sectioning the AT portion since I have already hiked from Springer to Erwin TN. and then maybe flip flopping SOBO. I could also finish the Pinhoti and and then head to Katadin for a SOBO If I managed to make it to the hangout, is any one headed anywhere near north Alabama on their way home who could shuttle me back if I help with gas?
I guess I'm looking at all this the wrong way. After my surgery I was told that I would be lucky to be able to walk without severe pain and to have control over my bladder and bowels. The fact that I have walked this far is quite an accomplishment for my 70 year old back. Still, you know where my heart is, the trail is now my mistress.

PS: Someone tried to give me a new trail name. My whole name is Raymond Brian Darsey, she wanted to call me RAYDAR...What do you guys think?

Nah...I think that T-Back is great.

[Peter_pan]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery and return to hiking....

T-Back is a far finer name.

Pan

[bear bag hanger]

I hurt my back last year while doing a section of the AT with friends. It was a little embarrasing to be carried off the trail. It took about a month of rest before I could get back to doing things normally. I've found, as I get older (I'm 59), I need to do more stretching exercises to keep things going. Plus, loosing five to ten pounds has been a lot of help.

I agree with everyone else, T-Back is good. But, it's up to you, not us.

[T-BACK]

didn't realize you were so old, .

I just turned 40 this year. My back is a different story. According to my doctor it is around 70, maybe older.

[headchange4u]

I'm really sorry to hear about your injury. I hope that everything heals up so you can get back out on the trail. Best wishes. BTW, I like Raydar.


I gotta ask: What were the train hopping tips you were given? I've always wanted to hop a train (don't ask me why).

[peanuts]

i am so sorry on your re-injury. take it easy and recover. the trails will be there...

how 'bout t-back raydar or raydar t-back

[Coffee]

That was the hardest part and the most rewarding part of the time that I spent hiking alone. I knew that if something went wrong it could be awhile before anyone else came along or anyone realized I was missing. That was a real sobering thought. I'm glad you were able to make it out.

I understand what you mean. My back surgery was nothing like yours, but still life changing. Nothing like the daily reminder of it.

It sounds like you have the right mind set on this. I know the crushing feeling you get when you go back home early or at the end of a hike. If you have any questions on the Southbound thing let me know.

I hiked with a guy that jumped trains. If you are serious about it I can put you in touch with him.