Date: 2006-05-01
From: Erwin, TN

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Wow! I can't believe one month has already gone by. Even though at times some days have seemed long, overall this journey has already gone by so fast! Each day my body becomes more and more familiar with the physical demands and stress that is required to hike several miles each day and to the general lifestyle. Mentally, I am becoming more accustomed to preparing each morning for the day or week ahead, and am forming a better understanding and general attitude for any obstacles that we may encounter along the way. Despite missing family and friends back home, I still feel strong and confident as I have not been forced to any emotional breaking point yet. I still look to experience growth and development as we continue to make new friends on the trail, as well as forming stronger relationships with the ones we have been hiking with for a few weeks now. As I am hiking, taking breaks, or sitting around the campfire my soul is still searching to hear God's voice and to carry on an intimate non-stop conversation with Him. Sometimes it is easy to grow in Him daily; but even out here in the wilderness, away from the "normal" life, there can be many distractions. My mind starts wandering as I get in zombie- mode hiking, or I start thinking about people and situations back home, or sometimes I just lose my focus at the least little thing. God's presence is definitely out here in all of His creation, but I still need to do a better job of focusing and being alert and aware of the opportunities He places before me. Although a little cool and sunny, it was a beautiful day of hiking. Despite having several steep ups and downs along the trail this morning, it was one of our more laid- back days. We made it to Cherry Gap Shelter for a quick snack, then headed on our way. Shortly after, we found a dog (possibly walker/ beagle mix) that looked to have been abandoned. She was skinny, weak, scared and skiddish at first, but soon built a little trust with us as she began to follow us up the trail. Being the dog-lover that I am, it completely broke my heart to see this dog in this position, but I was still happy to see it following us. The dog seemed to really respond with Mouse and almost instantly there was a bond that seemed to have formed. We gave her a little food of our own, but knew we were still 2 days from any store to resupply. We decided to just wait and see if she would continue to follow us or if she had a home to return to before we had any thoughts of keeping her with us. As the day went on, Roxie (as we called her), would follow, then disappear. A few hours past and Roxie had not been around for a while. We didn't worry too much, as we hoped she had found her way back home. We stopped by the Greasy Creek Friendly which was .5 miles off the trail for an early dinner. This hostel, which wanted to be called friendly, was run by a couple who basically opened up their house to serve thru-hikers. Wether it was for a good meal, some nice cold Ben and Jerry's icecream, or even for a place to stay for the night, this couple was eager to serve. Connie fixed us some nacho salads, sandwhiches, and sundaes and it was great! Not to mention that she wanted to give everyone a hug on the way out. That's right...a HUG! Something that most thru-hikers miss and covet! You know that anyone who is willing to give a smelly thru-hiker who hasn't showered in days a hug has got to be alright! I highly recommend this place to any future thru-hikers. Thanks Connie! After eating, Mouse, Gringo, Baro, and I hiked 2 miles to our campsite for the night. Shasta and H-Bomb who hadn't been with us the entire day, hiked 21 miles in hopes of catching up with us...and they did! Way to go girls! Our crew was back together to camp tonight. It was another little reunion. Guess who else found there way to the campsite that night..........Roxie.