Last week was a very tough week for me for several reasons.

First, I was planning to get back out on the trail and hike the last state (Maine) on the way to Katahdin with the people that I hiked with from GA and met along the way.  I went out and bought food and other items needed for the trip.
Second, I made arrangements for the trip home from Mt Katahdin.
And Third, I went to the Doctor to get a determination on my condition. This was the basic reason for me to go to him and find out if I would be able to go hike again this year.
    His determination of my condition after a 2 hour examination was there would be no more hike this year because I need more tests in the coming 3 weeks.
  The first test would be an MRI during the first week to determine where the pain is coming from in my back area.
   The second test would be during the second week and it is a Blood Test to determine if there are any spirochetes still alive in my body after taking the 3 week medication program.  If there are some alive then I will have to go through another medication program that is stronger than the last.
  The third test is a nerve test for my face, being that I got Bell's Palsy because of the tick bite. This test will happen in the beginning of October and it is to determine how much of my face will return to normal from this condition.

  So for now, the hike is off. The plan for the future will be to pick up from where I left off and head to the "The Big K" to complete one section hike and possibly turn around and head south for a complete hike to GA.

Let's see what happens with the tests and I will keep you informed to the progress and prognosis.