May 7, 2018
We've been out of touch with Jessica for about a week. The spotty cell service has mitigated against us talking on a sufficiently clear line. Eventually, last evening, we spoke. Right from the start, she didn't sound her normal self, with the long miles on highways and gravel roads taking their toll.
She was also tired after the team's first thirty-mile day. Her spirit resurfaced as we spoke and she seemed back to herself towards the end.
This is what long-distance hiking can do to you. Sometimes, it just wears you down and you have to put your feet up and recover. A few blisters and a sore back in the mix don't help a great deal either.