My mouth was so dry, I was attempting to wet the interior by licking it. Slumped off to the side of the trail, on the verge of tears, this was how they found me. My trail angels. A couple of Kiwis that bunked with us at Cape Brett the night before that I would happily name my first and second born after. If I knew their names. After a brief comment about our “water emergency” they immediately donated one of their bottles to our Stay Alive cause. Me, being the Minnesotan I am, asked twice whether they were sure, and if they needed their bottle back. (I skipped the traditional 3rd and 4th protestations as I couldn’t risk them rescinding their generous offer.)
And so, we were saved! The show was allowed to go on! And on, and on, and on. My right knee, playing the implacable diva, demanded a large portion of my attention after the water crisis ended. Still tender, still tight, every step was a challenge. I was forced to hobble the entire way, peg legging the 16 kilometers of never-ending ups and downs. But DAMNIT we did it. Together.
This trip has taught me what it means to be a true partner. To help, to listen, to rally, to compromise, to boost, to offer, to explain and to share. And that whole “double the joy, divide the sorrow” shtick? Brilliantly beautiful, completely on point. That walk through the woods was quite shitty on multiple levels. But to quote thee Jay-Z: “I got 99 problems but a bitch ain’t one.” (Sort of.)
-K
^ “That doesn’t look natural. Can you lower your leg at all?”
^ “Eric, take a picture of me cradling this water, this gift of life.” REAL LIFE trail shot.
^ And we’ll end with some pretty views along the way. 🙂