Still Struggling

   Red Bull is still struggling.  He hiked about 8 miles to the Clarence Fahnestock State Park today, mile 1423.4 on the A.T. an elevation of 998 feet.

Clarence Fahnestock State Park - photo from NYStateParks

   Red Bull says it is extremely hot and humid (understandably near the Hudson River), that he is sweating profusely even though he is taking it easy, and that he is beginning to have difficulty breathing.  He stopped very early today at the State Park.  We are fine with this due to the extreme weather conditions, and feel better if he is near people in case he needs assistance (medical or otherwise).  He sent me 22 texts today, and called me 6 times.  We are trying to convince him to hike a full week, before he makes a decision to come off the trail.  He actually suggested he could take a taxi into New York City then catch a train to D.C., where we could pick him up.  While I was out doing back to school shopping with his sisters, I received numerous texts and phone calls from Red Bull.  Then I received a call from his brother in New Jersey, Red Bull had arranged for his brother to pick him up this evening.  We let his brother know the plan to try to keep Red Bull on the trail for a week, his brother reluctantly agreed to not pick him up yet.

   At times Red Bull agrees to continue for a week, and at times he wants us to pick him up immediately.  We are approximately 5 hours from his current location, so picking him immediately would be an issue (unless he had an emergency situation).  However, he actually told his father this evening that he wants to continue hiking at least until "The Whites" in New Hampshire.  We continue to encourage him, but are very mindful of the temperatures and his health.

   There are excessive heat warnings along the East Coast through the weekend.  It is in the mid 90's with the heat index reaching 105-115 degrees.  This is a huge concern, and we are closely monitoring the situation.  Red Bull is resting through the afternoon and evening, as he drinks lots of Gatorade.  He is frustrated and discouraged.  Many are keeping him in their prayers... thank you!