Hiked 2.5 miles and change on Mount Misery in Valley Forge National Historic Park this afternoon with my 439 pound friend - I'll use his Bike Forums handle Nerys as his name here.
Nerys was in better shape than I was, again. He felt the hill climb in his calves, and had to stop twice. He sounded like a steam engine on the climb, huffing and puffing. I was out of breath too, but my problem began halfway up as I encountered the rocky scree that gives Pennsylvania the reputation as the place hiking boots go to die. I wasn't wearing boots, but ordinary sneakers, and I had trouble keeping a good footing. On the downward slope on the other side, I had Nerys give me a hand to get down a 12 per cent grade. Shortly afterward I turned my left ankle, and hobbled through the flat part of the trail along Valley Creek to get back to the car. Earlier I'd nearly taken a sideways tumble.
There is no swelling in the turned ankle, and no soreness, but there is some stiffness, and my knees are stiff as well. All in all a good hike, one in which I pushed myself and my friend as well.
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