| Day One - Avon 3-Day Walk |
Out into the Country
Now we headed out for several miles on Highway 355, where a lane had been closed for our
use. Signs still warned us to walk single file, mostly to allow people to pass each
other with ease and to allow emergency vehicles to still use the closed lane.
It was
a pleasure to be able to set my own pace without worry here, and to enjoy the lovely and
historic countryside. However, with the countryside came hills, lots of rolling ups
and downs as the day headed into the 80F range. Pit Stop 2 was at the Monocacy
National Battlefield Visitors Center, 
and I passed a sign pointing out General Lee's
headquarters camp at which he lost Order 191, retrieved by the Yankees which brought the
armies together at the Antietam battle. I walked that battlefield as part of the
1991 AVA national convention walks. There were plenty of gnats flying around all
along this area, but no biting insects. Bug repellant was available at the stops,
but I didn't need to use any. 
I am a mosquito magnet. Each Pit Stop
has a blister self-care table stocked with supplies.
Heat Sickness
I was faithful in filling and drinking my bottle with water and sports drink, draining it
between each stop. However, the long stretch between Pit Stop 2 at 4 miles and Pit
Stop 3 at 7 miles was long and hot with hills, and I had finished off my bottle and was
thirsty before I got to the Pit Stop. I got salty pretzels and ate them.
Your
body is dehydrated BEFORE you feel thirsty. I was sweating constantly in the heat
and humidity and setting a good pace with hills. After Pit Stop 3 I noticed that by
the top of the hills my ears were beginning to buzz, a sure sign of heat sickness and a
danger of passing out. I drank faithfully and the next Grab and Go was in only a
little over a mile. I soaked my hat in water as well. After this Pit Stop, I noted
some nausea as my Route Directions slapped against my chest - another sign of heat
sickness. I was grateful to get into the Lunch Stop to see if some rest and cool
down would relieve the problem.
Next page > Lunch
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Photos copyright (c) 2000, Wendy Bumgardner, licensed to About.com
