A Blistered Kind of Love

DUFFY BALLARD is in the midst of his residency at UC Davis Medical Center, having graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with an MD and Masters in Bioethics. He assisted his brother, Chris, in researching, writing and editing Hoops Nation (Owl Books, 1998). He has also written several health-related pieces for the University of Pennsylvania Health System and Medical Broadcasting Company. ANGELA WALKER is a freelance writer and currently researcher/writer for a CD-ROM based educational program for women in low-income neighborhoods. She has written for GORP, Men's Health, Philadelphia Inquirer's Philly Tech magazine, Metro Philadelphia, Lacrosse and other publications. Prior to deciding to walk the length of the PCT, her hiking experience had totaled about 11 miles, including a 4-mile round trip on Turkey Mountain-a hike so easy even turkeys can do it, according to Angela.