Sheila Wee

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Michael called yesterday. He and Wiffleball had planned to do a 24 mile
day. Instead they only did 13 miles due to Wiffle waking up with the
"hiker virus". The virus is affecting most all hikers in the area.
Branden had it, Peeper had it, Hawk had it and now Wiffle. Michael
feels sure he and Gumpy will end up with it also. Hard to avoid out on
the trail. It usually lasts 24 hours and the symptoms are vomiting,
diarrhea, sweats, fever; all the bad things a virus can do for you.
Rest is about the only remedy. If they can sleep for several hours they
seem to bounce back rather quickly. I don't see how they can still hike
10-15 miles feeling so badly. Of course they don't have much choice
because they have to get off the trail and into a town in order to get
the needed sleep for their recovery. Michael and Wiffle were going into
Rangely, Maine to rest. I read on Gumpy's trail journal that Blues
Clues also contracted the virus yesterday. He stayed at the Pine Ellis
Hostel to rest.
Michael called today and said Wiffle is much better. They were moving
along. The rest of the crew is now quite a bit ahead. I'm glad Michael
stayed with Wiffle. Remember, Wiffle drove Michael home from New York
for Mom's funeral.

Sheila