Holed up in Helena

(June 30th )

The orthopedic physician didn’t shed any new light.  X-rays were negative.  Final diagnosis seems to be infection, banged up tendon, old age.  Only the former is being treated.

Helena is a beautiful town.  Little bit of trivia: it was named after Helena Minnesota.  A couple hard-luck miners were about to abandon the area when they made a discovery in the area known as Last Chance Gulch. 

I am planning on returning to the trail Saturday. I would love to be up high for the fireworks.  My wife sent a great resupply package so I have plenty of food, new shoes, and duct tape.

The trail angel (Jamie) who picked me up and brought me into town has even followed up twice offering rides and a place to stay.  She and her husband are very kind and definitely made this stranger feel welcome.

Plus, the lady who runs the motel (Jenny), took me  to my orthopedic appointment and even picked me up.  It could be I only meet the greatest people, but I  suspect it is more likely that Montanans are generally kind and helpful people. 

I have been restless.  I have visited the library frequently, walked to get groceries, and visited a few historical sites. Oh, and I have been eating an embarrassing amount of food.  I have not really hiked that far, but I’ve eaten like a starved squirrel that’s busted into the Fisher Nut factory.