Miles: 343.8 (Zero Day) | A rainy zero day in Erwin that made it clear how overstimulating town can be. Constant noise, conversation, and screens left me foggy and overwhelmed, even as my body rested. A long nap, laundry, and organizing gear helped a bit, but the most grounding moment came from calling Chelsea and hearing a familiar voice. I went to bed early, reminded that real rest sometimes means quiet, space, and stepping out of the chaos.
We took a zero day (we didn’t hike any miles) this day and lazed around. It was pouring outside and we were glad to be indoors. We ate the breakfast that the hotel provided and got quarters and soap for laundry from the front desk. I packed and organized my resupply food while Maverick watched TV.
(They use a lot of styrofoam down south...)
I tried to blog for a bit. The TV being on constantly along with the white noise of town and my anxiety was making it hard for me to focus on writing. I was overstimulated and having a hard time processing it all. Maverick wanted to hang out and talk and watch TV but I couldn’t even focus on the conversation with the TV on.
I tried to explain to him how it felt and that I felt overstimulated and I couldn’t process what was happening. That it made me tired and overwhelmed and anxious. He didn’t understand.
I told him I needed to take a nap. I slept for three hours.
After my nap I finished our laundry. On my way to the laundry machines I ran into another hiker in the hallway. He said, “Are you that girl from Trail Name Here?!” I told him I was and asked if he followed. I was surprised someone recognized me! He told me he followed my Instagram and told me his handle. I followed him, too. It was weird but cool to be recognized by other hikers because of my blog.
I organized my gear. Maverick turned the TV back on. Immediately I couldn’t focus again. I got foggy and tired. My head started pounding. I took a deep breath and tried to explain it again. I know this time I didn’t use very good tone. I didn’t mean to explode but I didn’t know how else to explain how I was feeling and what was happening in my head. I left to cool off.
I called Chelsea, one of my best friends. We talked for a couple hours. It was good to hear a familiar voice and hear about what was happening in her life instead of what was going on on the trail. I went to bed early.