Sick on the trail

I've learned a few things the past couple days. One- don't ever order Itailian food on the West Coast if you are from the East Coast unless you want to be dissapointed. Two- the kindness of strangers is the greatest gift. And thirdly- DO NOT GET SICK ON THE TRAIL. You can say that three times! Ay dios mio.

It started on the trail Thursday. Coming out both ends and such. Like I mentioned in the previous post we got a ride to Julian from Scissors Crossing from Kevin "The Hawk". GREAT GUY. We figured my flu like symptoms would go away on there own so we'd just stay the night in Julian. Boy were we wrong. Everyday got worse for me. Fever, cold swets, lose of appetite, nausea/ vomiting, diahrea, headache/dizzyness and THE WORST intestinal cramping. Michael was the greatest in home doctor anyone could ask for,but it was apparent last night into this morning that I needed medical attention asap.

Kim and Damian, two employees of the Julian Lodge, GENEROUSLY offered us a ride to the hospital 40 MILES away! I couldn't believe it. After relentlessly calling the "24 hr taxi" with no answer they were a God send! (**if you ever looking for a place to stay in Julian try this place out! The employees and management go above and beyond for their customers in sooo many ways...especially for hikers!!)

The doctor took samples but we wont be sure of the results for about a week. Most likely it's Giardia or Crypto. Could have gotten either a million different ways. Bad water being the biggest offender for Giardia...but we'll never know for sure. I have the antibiotic and feel better already. He also gave me a smooth muscle relaxer for my intestinal cramping (which was my huggest issue...picture being stabbed in the stomach and you'll begin to get the picture)

As for Michael, he's starting to feel on the sick side. We're hoping it's from the lack of sleep and stress but we'll see. We can't get back on the trail until we know we are both well. Staying in Julian is getting far too expensive even with hiker discounts so we're going to try and find a trail angel and go that route. And then get back on the trail asap.All these shenanigans have made for a laughable streak of bad luck...but we are trying our best to stay optimistic.
Could definitely use your encouragement!

-Felecia