Day 5 – Behind Schedule, Dead Batteries, And Signs Of Hypothermia

Walking began at 8:49 a.m.

I tried several times yesterday to send messages but the cold and wet environment was thwarting my efforts with the cell phone. It is waterproof but rain on the touch screen causes it to do weird things. The rain was much heavier than the 2 previous days and the wind had picked up. My gear had not fully dried since I left the blockhouse and I was feeling it in my bones. As I sat by a gas station talking with Kimberly on the phone the shivering increased to the point I couldn’t stop.

Being behind schedule and deciding to stay on Hwy 58 left me in the town of Jonesville, VA, with no predetermined camping spot as it got dark. Around me is suburbia with homes and businesses and few options. I pushed it hard to make up miles and allowed myself to get too cold so the early signs of hypothermia crept in. It sucks to say this, but I had to make another adjustment to reach my goal and I checked into a motel for the night. I warmed up, dried my gear and headed out this morning in low spirits because of a small failure but my goal will still be met. Drier weather is coming and my Kentucky route has many more camping options.

Walk on,

Curtis

On a larger mural In Downtown Jonesboro, VA. Very profound Mr. Still

Photo Credit: Curtis Penix