Despite worrying about my newest hiking injury, it’s been a very relaxing day.  Candice is such a wonderful friend that I don’t feel like I have to be ‘on’ around her and she doesn’t feel like she has to entertain me.  We are enjoying each other’s company (well, maybe I shouldn’t speak for her… haha) while still going about our own business.

She is such a wonderful friend that by the time we wandered out of our room at 8am she had already gone to the store and was making a frittata for breakfast.  While at the store, Candice had also thoughtfully purchased an avocado and blueberries, two things I love.  I feel so well cared for.  

Nick and I did our normal chores, like organizing the resupply, cleaning our filters, and sending in blog updates.  I also researched my newest annoyance and believe it is tibialis anterior tendinitis.  It doesn’t feel that much better than yesterday but I’m doing my best not to panic - aches and pains are a part of thru-hiking and it’s something everyone has to deal with.  (I just hate feeling like this when I had been feeling so strong a few days ago.)

After chores, I sat on the deck and read Theresa’s newest letter while also enjoying the stellar view of Grand Lake.  It was very relaxing and Theresa’s letter was entertaining (as always).

For dinner, we decided to grill some burgers.  Just as Nick announced, ”ok, the grill is ready”, it started to hail, which made us all laugh. 

After the hail subsided, Nick braved the rain and grilled the burgers.  We had a wonderful dinner with Candice and Sherry, and the great conversations continued well after everything was cleaned up.  Thunder and lightning and rain were the backdrop to the evening and I felt grateful to be safe inside the house instead of out on the trail (although I can’t say I’m grateful for the reason we are safe inside the house instead of on the trail).   It’s been wonderfully comforting to be around such good people during this time of recovery.