Date: 2016-05-11
From: Lindamood School

To: Atkins
Miles today: 2.7
Weather: few clouds

I woke this morning to pouring rain and thunder and lightning. I camped with Diligent, Uncle Spider, and Raptar. We tented in a tall grassy area by an old school house. The rain let up around 7:30am just in time, because I had to go to the bathroom. I was the last one to get everything packed up. I was going to meet Diligent for breakfast in Atkins three miles away at a place called, The Barn. When I came out of the woods onto the road he was waiting for me at the gas station before The Barn. We then walked up and had a pretty darn good breakfast. We also needed to charge our phones and devices and we were able to find some open outlets. After a long breakfast we went our separate ways. He hit the trail and I hitched into Atkins and Marion. I had to pick up a mail drop and then went to Walmart for a few other supplies. I was really rushing and felt myself being very impatient. I had to stop myself and made the better decision to stay in town and fully charge my electronics, do laundry, dry out my stuff, and just reorganize. It would also be good to get off my feet for a bit. I will head back on the trail first thing in the morning. I have a shuttle picking me up at 7:25am and it only cost fifty cents. It is about six miles back to the trail. It only took me about fifteen minutes to hitch a ride into town today after breakfast with Diligent. A nice local guy named Jim Frye picked me up. We had a nice chat on the way to town. All I have to say is people are amazing. I met a former thru hiker named Beer Man when I was repacking outside of Walmart. He offered to drive me back to the trail right then. I told him when he finished shopping I would be ready to go. While he was in the store that is when I thought better of it. I had not showered in five days or done laundry. My chargers were dead and I just felt unorganized. When he came back out we talked a bit and he recommended a place for me to stay and then he was gone. Like I said. People are amazing. There are so many good people in this world and sometimes I think I let the few bad apples sway me. The trail is making me see a lot of things more clearly and I think people are amazing. A lady in her 80's came out of the store and asked if I was thru hiking. I said, yes ma'am I am. She then handed me a small card and said it was for me to have on the trail. It was scripture. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" I turned to her and showed her my metal tag hanging down the side of my pack which was the same scripture with the same writing. She was taken a back and told me I was on the right path and I was going to do great. She had a big smile on her face. We gave each other a big hug and we chatted for a little bit before she went on her way. Like I said, people are amazing and this encounter made my whole day and also confirmed that I was suppose to stay in town tonight. I then finished loading my pack and headed to the Travel Inn. I checked in took a shower and then headed out to find lunch. I ended up at Wendy's and had a double cheeseburger and fries, all the while the music was playing was Christian Rock. I was now in slow down mode, not rushing. I was taking my time and enjoying the afternoon. It is so different down here compared to the darker Northeast. I walked bye the Baptist Church. It was very big and beautiful and the grounds were immaculately taken care of. It was awesome. I headed back to my room and organized my gear, charged my devices and did my laundry. I can not wait to get back on the trail tomorrow. I only hiked the three miles today, but I did a ton of walking around town. I wish I would of been off my feet more, but I had things to get done. I think I am finally starting to lose significant weight. My pack belt has no more room to tighten. I may have to get a smaller belt or a new pack. I am spending a lot more money then I anticipated. It my own doing. I have made mistakes and bad decisions and it has cost me. Tomorrow I will pass the one quarter mark. Hopefully I can make better decisions from here on out and make up some of the lost money over the rest of my trip. I just got off the phone with Val. I am very lucky to have such a great housemate. Thanks Val. For that matter I am lucky for all the people in my life. Thanks to all of you. Just a final note. Tonight I am watching an old episode of "The Six Million Dollar Man" with Lee Majors and Lindsey Wagner. I love the sound effects when they are using there bionics. TV sure has changed, but this is pretty cool and I am feeling much better tonight. Good night all. I walk for Pete