Date: 2015-04-20
From: Springer Mountain

To: Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

One month ago I started this adventure. I have made it thru Georgia and parts of North Carolina and Tennessee (the AT straddles NC and TN in some places). I have covered about 200 miles so far. And I have overcome plantarfacitis, patella issues, and tendonitis. I have come through some terrible storms. I have been exhausted, cold, wet, and hungry - at times all at once. But I have never wanted to quit. I know that no matter how terrible it can be, it WILL eventually get better.I also learned a few other things about the AT, such as:1. The kindness extended to me by complete strangers has been amazing. I truly appreciate their help, friendship, and words of encouragement.2. I am never truly alone on the trail for very long. I regularly see other thru hikers, section hikers, day hikers, and Ridge Runners. And of course there are always plenty of people at the shelters.3. I am in awe of some of the folks I have met on this adventure and some of the adversities they have overcome in their lives.4. The Smokie Mountain portion of the AT is extremely challenging and not for sissies.5. We really do not require much to survive.6. While on the AT I am constantly handling my gear - packing, unpacking, using, drying it, etc. I do not have much, but I am always dealing with it.7. I need to remind myself to stop, look up, and enjoy the scenery more.   Everyone concentrates on watching the trail so much to avoid falling, I think I could literally bump right into a bear before I would see it.8. Although I am eating very little, and exercise most of the day carrying a heavy pack, I do not think I am losing any weight!!!9. I am very glad I put all of my gear in dry bags, which keeps things dry except in the most severe storms. Then it seem as if EVERYTHING gets soaked.10. I actually appreciate the stinky privies. They are better than "toilet" fields found at most of the Smokies shelters.11. There are subtle differences in the forest as the trail changes in elevation which I need to remember to take time to observe and enjoy.12. There is an incredible amount of work involved in hiking the AT. Whether on the trail or in town there are always chores that need to be done.13. A day with no rain, fog, wind, etc. is a treasured treat to be savored.14. When I do have to hike in the rain, I can still be comfortable, but I need to keep moving.15. It is best to get an early start to enjoy the beauty of the trail, get the climb (s) for the day done, and to make more miles. And last, but certainly not least, I really enjoy and appreciate hearing from folks following my journal. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement.To my new gal pals from the Hike Inn, I LOVED the jerky, dried fruit, and nuts. I told you I was saving those treats. I enjoyed them greatly as I was suffering thru the Smokies.To my good buddy G,I hope things are going well and you are still vertical. To Thelma & Louise,and my other new hiking pals from Fontana, thank you so much for including me in your group. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you and hope all of you returned home safely.To everyone at the ATCF (Appalachian Trail Club of Florida) thank you for your kind words of encouragement, sorry I am missing the meetings.To my BOW roomie Barbara, thanks for the kind words. Oh the stories I have now!!To my good friend Gail, THANK YOU for slack packing me TWICE and for all your other trail magic.To my good friend Mark, I hope I am still making you proud and your "test" goes well.And to my spouse, thank you for taking care of things at home and for sending the resupply boxes. I hope the pictures help make you feel you are on this adventure too. See you in VA!!