17 miles from the A.T. – because detours are fun (and sometimes necessary)

I had such a fun week in Abingdon with the Wilsons (in spite of the fact that my travel insurance company are insisting I return to Aus for treatment). I would be halfway to having my stitches out post-surgery and a week away from getting back on the trail if the surgeon had been able to just do his job. But they deemed me fit to fly so they can have my arm treated under medicare. I can understand the decision from a financial perspective but I don’t think their decision takes into consideration the best course of action for my wrist. I took out the highest level of cover to ensure I would receive the best care in the event of an emergency. To no avail. When choosing your cover make sure you read over the exclusions and exceptions very carefully because you can be sure that’s the first place they’ll look when and if you have to make a claim.

Anyway, on a couple of positive notes, I’ve had a fantastic week with the Wilsons, I had a lovely night back in Knoxville with Wes and his wife Marian, and I will get to see my folks in a day or two. Blessings in disguise 😊.

Zazzy’z Cafe

The Martha (I’ll stay here one day when my A.T. memoir becomes a bestseller 😄)

The Barter Theatre (this place opened for business during the Great Depression when tickets were traded for produce – very cool. Gregory Peck and Kevin Spacey are among the actors who got their start here).

Main Street

The Creeper Trail (37 mile stretch of walking/cycling track along the line of a former railroad bed). The A.T. intersects with the creeper in a couple of places at and around Damascus. Trestle 38 is particularly memorable as it takes you through the uppermost branches of a lush beech forest.

Patti and I had smoothies here:

On a less positive note: The airline has over-booked my flight and I may not get on my first plane. Which will mean I will miss all connecting flights. Yay! The joys of standby…

*** Update – they got me on my flight – phew (ed)