Date: 2005-03-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

2:30am 3.11.05Insomnia strikes again, w/ a vengeance. I had figured that I wouldn't be getting any sleep on this night, the eve of my departure, that I'd be too keyed up and nervous. But then, today was so busy that I felt exhausted -- pleasantly so -- and thought that maybe I would manage to grab some shut-eye after all. But, as soon as I turned out the lights, my brain struck a match and lit a fire in the darkness, the flames of rampaging thoughts engulfing any remnants of sleep and exhaustion, the burning desire to be back on the trail threatening to consume me. And so, I allow my thoughts to spill forth on these pages...Tonight was wonderful. My parents organized a send-off gala for me, which served as a welcome distraction, keeping me entertained and preventing me from engaging in a staring match w/ the clock on the wall. Two dozen friends (both old and new) braved the wintry conditions. (Pennsylvanians are much hardier and weather-savvy drivers than our southern neighbors in metro DC) I want to heartfeltedly thank all of you who came (as well as those who couldn't make it) for your well-wishes, and encouragement, and gifts, and support, and for lending a sympathetic ear to an AT-crazed young woman. Thanks. You distracted me from what would otherwise have been a nail-biting, angst-ridden evening, filled w/ list-making and pack-checking (and double-checking). Of course, now that you've all departed, the nail-biting has ensued. (Don't believe me? Cuppa Joe can verify it tomorrow -- 10 nails, down to their nubs.) But, it was a truly wonderful evening, and heartwarming to receive so much support. And, thanks to Dirk, I am now the newest initiate to the Holy Order of the Titanium Spork, a selective society founded last spring by Sox, the reigning Chief High Priestess. Thanks again to everyone, for a lovely time. And, to my parents, for organizing it (and Mom, the chef), and for putting up w/ the crazy antics of their daughter, and for fully supporting me every step of the way. I wouldn't be where I am today, w/o you guys. ('Course, you could take that to mean that you only have yourselves to blame... )And, while I'm doling out the 'thank yous', I want to offer up a gigantic hug of appreciation to everyone who's provided me support and encouragement and inspiration for my hike, whether it was verbal, or an e-mail, or a phone conversation, or a trailjournal, or via ESP. You can't fathom how much a kind word or a hand extended in friendship matters to a hiker, especially the unexpected, unanticipated gestures. So, to friends and family and TJ lurkers alike, I invite you (heck, I'm not above a little shameless begging -- I implore you) please drop me a line, sign my guestbook, send me an e-mail, hey postcards on the trail are always nice too... I can't promise you an immediate response, but I can assure you of its enthusiastic and warm reception. And, if you leave an e-mail or postal address, I will get back to you, just as soon as humanly (or hikerly) possible.To those of you generous souls who are inclined to utilize the 'old fashioned' means of communication, and send me a postcard or hand-written letter (or, gasp, a care package!), here's the format for hiker mail on the trail:Rachael SchultzGeneral DeliveryTrail Town, AT 12345ATTN: Hold for AT Hiker ETA x.yy.05(Note: Use my legal name only; the USPS doesn't recognize trail names.)I don't have a maildrop schedule, b/c, well, I don't. But, shamelessly plagiarizing from a tentative schedule that Cuppa Joe sent me -- here are some approximate (and I use that word in the absolute vaguest sense) estimated arrival dates in the first few trail towns I'll be frequenting:Hiawassee 3.21.05Franklin 3.27.05NOC 3.29.05 (Note: this is not a PO. Address is 13077 Highway 19W Bryson City, NC 28713)Fontana Dam 4.1.05It's recommended that you mail stuff 10-14 days before the ETA, to allow for shipping time.Okay. Enough w/ the dry, logistical details. I just want to reiterate one last time my thanks to everyone, who's written me, who's offered me encouragement. It means more than you can imagine. So, thanks.Reality is creeping up on me. (Or is that just the dawning sun, cresting over the horizon?) I'm leaving. Tomorrow. No, today!? My pack is sitting in front of me, surprisingly light compared to the lead weight it was last year. Leading me to wonder what crucial piece of gear I've neglected to pack. But, despite the niggling suspicion that I've forgotten to complete some critical task, I'm ready. Boy, am I ready. Ready to delve into the wilderness of Georgia. Ready to delive into the wilds of myself. Ready to explore and excavate and discover hidden truths and layers of myself. Ready to meet the amazing folks who will accompany me on this journey. Ready to take that first northbound step, into an unknown future.