This country's hard on people. You can't stop what's coming.

[TOGIE]

Post script - It has been over 3 weeks. The balls of my feet still hurt. I can't do my usual runs, it is too painful on the balls of my feet. And, yes, my big toes continue to have the faintest of tingling, at times a faint numbness. A mild version of what happens when you fall asleep on your arm. I've since learned that the thru hikers call this "Christmas Toes." The biggest of the thru hikes have the hikers finishing sometime in September, and many don't regain normal toe function until Christmas. To think, I'm suffering from this after only 80ish miles of hiking rather than the ~2200 that is the Appalachian Trail. That North Slope Tundra really is something.

 

[El Jason]

Is that a nerve inflammation issue? I’ve battled neuroma and it took a long time to finally get it to go away.

 

[TOGIE]

Is that a nerve inflammation issue? I’ve battled neuropathy and it took a long time to finally get it to go away.

Digitalgia paresthetica, the medical term.

Sustained nerve compression, heavily influenced by distance and weight carried than anything to do with boots - so the studies show I think.

I think maybe best described as nerve sheath aggravation? A combo of inflammation and minor reversible damage I think? And then as I'm sure you're aware, nerves just take forever to heal themselves up.

 

[Hunting Wife]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved it! I can’t think of any better or more resonant depiction of Type II fun.
A+++

 

[wseidel]

Fun to experience the hunt vicariously through your words and photos - Thank you. A tremendous hunt that you’ll relive countless time over the coming years…as well as with every caribou meal in the near term. Like you, I have journaled two of my hunts ( moose and elk) and on re-reading them you are instantly back in the moment - the sounds, smells and range of emotions. You will likely appreciate your words in the future as much as we have as we walked along side you on your adventure.

Thanks again and God bless,
Wayne

 

[EastTNHunter]

Thanks for the colorful, detailed write up. Bluffgruff is a good dude. Though I’ve never met him in person, he’s helped me out with some advice in the past that has been helpful in my success

 

[bayoublaster7527]

So many good hunt stories this year!

 

[marksjeep]

Congrats to you both! A wonderful write up and great pics to do a memorable hunt justice. Thanks for taking us along.