6-7 April 2018
First the good news. My cough and cold are much better. Now the bad news. I fell on the trip to Smugglers Cove and sprained my ankle. More on that later.
The campsite is in a grove of eucalyptus trees that are tremendous in size. They give off the most wonderful aroma and almost compensate for the two days of no shower or bath I’ve endured. Strangely, national parks do not provide showers.
Also smelling good are the outdoor toilets. I’ve never experienced outdoor toilets like these. They are roomy, warm (probably because they are out of the wind) and they have no odor. Not only that but they provide air freshener, sanitary napkins for the ladies, and toilet seat covers. They are well ventilated and it is almost like going to the bathroom at home.
I decided on an early start to Smugglers Cove, a 7 mile round trip described as strenuous. It was. Unfortunately, about 3/4 of the way to the top, I fell. I was standing on relatively level ground when I heard someone yell from another peak and turned to see if I could see who it was. My left foot slipped out from under me and probably because I was carrying the large backpack, it took me down. My left foot curled under me and I fell on it.
Stunned, I lay there for a minute or two and then decided to get up. I put weight on the foot and it felt fine. Foolishly, I continued the hike and the climb. Not only did I finish the climb but I descended the mountain towards Smugglers Cove. I decided to rest for a moment, eat something, drink some water and then proceed. As I got up and made my first step on my left foot, I knew I was done. I was within sight of the cove. I could see breakers on the beach and boats moored in the cove. Reluctantly, I turned around and started the uphill climb to the top of the mountain.
Uphill was OK. I met a couple on their way down to the cove who asked me whether I was OK and said I think so but I was going slow. They then pointed to a park ranger approaching from Smugglers Cove in a truck and said they would stop him and ask him to give me a ride. I actually made it to the top of the mountain – limping all the way. I hit a straight path and found walking on the level areas and any downhill excruciating.
check out over here now viagra no prescription They started discussing sexual disorders more openly. Men’s inability to please commander levitra their partners is a condition that can effect anyone, at any time. Thanks to the development of medical science which offers many options to heal sexual problems and to bring sexual satisfaction back on the way. cialis canada online http://appalachianmagazine.com/category/featured/page/51/?filter_by=popular It is sildenafil citrate medicine, which enhances 100mg viagra effects blood flow near male regenerative area. 
The ranger stopped and got out and asked if I was OK and if I wanted a ride. My pride said no but my foot said yes. I got in the truck and he drove me down to the bottom of the mountain. I’m glad I took his offer because I would still be on the mountain tonight, still limping down.
I took an anti-inflammatory when I got to the bottom and then again that night. I kept my boot on to prevent swelling. It’s better today but I can tell no more strenuous hikes for me for the next few weeks. I’ll be doing easy or nothing at all. The ankle is pretty swollen but tolerable. The more I walk on it the better it is until I stop for a period and then it’s back to square one.
I met many nice people on the island. Lonnie was the park ranger that picked me up in the truck and we had a great conversation about his background in science – influenced by his high school science teacher – and how that motivated him to join the National Park Service. He’s been in it for 18 years, 15 of those in the Great Smokey Mountains. I also met a lot of the hikers and we exchanged information.
It was from them I learned the quake was a 5.3 on the Reichter scale and that we had been on the national news. My 15 minutes of fame, part of the quake!
I met two volunteers: Linda, a naturalist, and Mike, a handyman. Both volunteer three days a week at the park. The park simply couldn’t operate without its volunteers and because of budget cuts, the park service is more than ever dependent on them.
The boat scheduled to take me off at 4 pm ended up with engine trouble and another Island Packers boat replaced it and we were around 4:30 leaving the island. Island Packers owns the only concession for the island and they do an excellent job. Everyone was very professional.
I didn’t know what to expect for the Channel Islands. This is a little bit of heaven. Most of the rangers have been working on the island for a long period of time and would not trade their position for other parks. One look at the scenery and you can see why.
I checked into the Hilton Garden Inn in Goleta (suburb of Santa Barbara). This is probably the nicest Hilton I’ve stayed in. No more Rodeway Inns for me. I had two whiskey sours thinking the bourbon and lemon juice would help with the cold. Not sure about that but I feel less pain. After two days of freeze dried food, a hamburger and fries hit the spot.
Tomorrow I head for the Pinnacles for 3 nights of glamping – my 8 man tent, cot and air mattress and indoor toilet. I’m not sure of internet or phone connections so you may not hear from me for the next three days. After the Pinnacles, I head to Lassen Volcanic National Park and have 3 nights in a bed and breakfast, so I should be back in contact then.
