Bad Back Camp, page 11

Bad Back Camp

Everyone I have ever known bitches about pain. Perhaps I am no exception. But I will tell you this: I had never been in such pure pain before or (as of this writing) since. Searing fires of pain shot down my hip and leg. Every muscle I had semmed to be in permanent spasm. Even kidney stones weren't this bad!

After the slit-ankle incident of last year, I learned my lesson and packed a first-aid kit on this hike. I included some muscle relaxants and codeine left over from my last back-sprain. Boy, were they needed now! No matter how I turn or which way I lay, there was no relief from the bursts of pain that continue to shoot up my entire right side. The codeine helped defuse the pain, but did not totally deaden it.  There was no hiding from the pain, just a sense of hopeless futility as I lay waiting for the next bolt.

It was the longest night of my life.

I dozed in fits and bits as the storm lashed the tent walls. Normally, that would have been the exciting part of this trip account. I'd be writing about how Mica-Eiger snuggled up next to me, seeking the warmth of the sleeping bag and the comfort of her Mommy Person. Now she had the good sense to keep her distance from a situation she couldn't kiss back to happiness.

Finally, it was morning.

I roused myself and stumbled outside to urinate, then fetched some water for me and Mica. It was obvious that I wasn't going anywhere this day. I gave quick appreciative glances at the majestic scenery around me. To the north was the pretty tarn backed by a small hill of bare rock. Across the valley (from which I'd labored up out of the day before) Overcoat and Chimney Rock peaks clawed their ways through the clouds to dominate the skyline.

All I could think was, "God--this is beautiful country!"

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