Date: 2009-03-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,It's finally me, giving you a full-fledged update from the trail (well, Bryson City, NC). I apologize for the lack of journal entries lately. I'm sure you were all on the edge of your seats wondering when I'd finally give ya'll an update! Really, this is the first opportunity I've had to sit at a computer since I left on March 14th.My thanks goes out to Nevena for letting me use her cell phone to briefly update it last week and my mother for posting a summary after a phone call a few days ago. Now that I'm at a computer at the local library with 32 minutes left on my time slot and I can get down and dirty with trail details for all you TJ junkies.Where to begin? The first few days were horrible weather-wise, but, it has made me appreciate sunshine that much more, and if I could handle crappy weather my first 3 days, I can handle it anytime, right? Luckily, my tent didn't leak. SEAM SEAL YOUR TENTS, PEOPLE, even if it already comes seam sealed from the factory. Nevena learned that hard way and well, let's just say it's possible to sleep two people into a 26-inch wide one-person tent. But that's a story for later... I'm pleased with my pack weight (30-40 lbs depending on food and water) and all my gear. Just sent my arm warmers home as expected although I enjoyed wearing them for a few days (and got many compliments!). People on the trail are wonderful. There was a group of 10 or so who I camped with every night, but due to peoples' paces varying and differing town stops or zero days, my hiking posse has currently dwindled to three. Nevena (Gangsta, referred to as "G") and Mat (Hermes, but also occasionally referred to as Hercules after bear bagging our foodbags for G and I in a rainstorm). We've been fortunate enough to encounter many trail angels thus far. Almost once daily. The trail magic we've received has ranged from grilled burgers, cooked to order, fried eggs and "AT Class of '09" stickers (compliments of Fishin' Fred from Royal Oak, MI!) , cherry cobbler, sodas, rides to town, and yummy friendship bread (thanks, Jen!). All provided to us after miles of hiking in the middle of nowhere... Many things have gotten crossed of my "Not Looking Forward To" list I mentioned in an earlier entry. The setting up a tent and taking it down in the pouring rain got checked off night 1 on Springer before even starting the AT! Yes, it's as bad as you can imagine. And the rodents in the shelters, well, I faced that fear on night 2. I figured fear of the unknown was a better option than setting up my already wet tent again in the pouring rain. And yes, it was as bad as Bill Bryson describes. I didn't sleep a wink due to rodents running across my bag, dive bombing me from the rafters (I was on a loft near the ceiling), and scurrying around my head. You can bet your bottom dollar I tented every night after that. Until rain hit us again, a week later. Rodents beat out pitching a tent in the rain. A few days ago we crossed our first state line into NC! Currently, we're taking our very first zero day after 2 days of rain and two more predicted. We spent last night at the Nantahala Outdoor Center and tonight are at a hotel in Bryson City.   We pulled our first 20 mile day two days ago to get outta the rain ASAP so this recovery time is good. The ankle is doing great as is the pinky toe. This time limit is about to expire and the library to close so I'm gonna run. Might be able to update again before hitting the trail though.Gangsta, Hermes and I are having a great time, though! Lots of laughter. Oh, and my trail name is Alias, which I will get to in a later entry. 2 minutes left. Gonna post.Happy Trails,Amyaka Alias