Date: 2003-04-05
From: Cold Springs Gap

To: Helen, GA
Miles today: 0.0

Well, it rained again in the morning, and the wind was really blowing. I wasn't about to get out of my tent, so I used a Glad Stand N Zip bag to pee in. I ended up spilling the bag after peeing in it, and spent close to half an hour mopping up the mess and bagging my PakTowel. The foot of my sleeping bag got damp from the rain also, so I decided I needed to stop at the campground coming up soon to do laundry, shower my tent with Pine-Sol, and check on Little Glenn. Today he is supposed to be with either Cornelius or my sister; if not, it's time to worry. I searched and even backtracked a little looking for the trail to the campground, but couldn't find it. I saw lots of people today, all rushing by me. Once I knew I had passed the campground trail, I thought I could stay at Blue Mountain Shelter and hang my sleeping bag to dry in the sun, at least. When I got there, there were already lines strung from nearly every tree with assorted clothes and equipment hanging from them. Unicoi Gap, and the road to Helen, Georgia, is only two miles away, so I blew past the shelter. I waited around about half hour at the gap, thinking someone who recognizes a hiker would stop and offer a ride into town, but I was impatient and was out of water, so I started yellow blazing. Later a car with a family that had been at the gap and chatted a bit with me picked me up and dropped me in front of the Days Inn. First thing I did was call Cornelius. Bad news. My wonderful ex was threatening to get a lawyer and sue for full custody of Glenn. Even told Little Glenn what he might do. Can you imagine??? My heart sunk. In my head, I knew he was probably just spouting off, and I'm not unfit or hadn't abandoned Glenn - I made all kinds of arrangements for his care. But in my heart, there was a big, sickening "What If". There was no question - I wasn't about to chance it. So after doing so well, and this time, really picturing myself making it to Maine, my hike was over. After only one week. I was so bummed, and angry, and sick to my stomach. Some people really, really need a bullet. My ex is the most selfish person I ever care to meet. Of course, after writing this, I probably seem like a psycho! I'm really harmless. Just very, very, disappointed. So that's what I've been dealing with lately. I came back home to protect Glenn and told him his dad was 'talking trash'. I try very, very hard not to demean Glenn's dad in front of him, and it takes more and more restraint. Whew.However, it looks like I will be able to do some section hiking in a few weeks. I am taking Glenn up north to see his grandparents, aunt and uncle. Ex is going to take a vacation up north that will allow him to take Glenn back home. So instead of going home after visiting, I will head to Pennsylvania's trees, birds, rocks, and big skies. I haven't decided if I want to go NOBO or SOBO yet. I don't feel like an official NOBO thru-hiker at this point - they might snub me. Hopefully I will bump into Sparky; she keeps in touch with my sister, so I can attempt to guage where she will be and when. Many, many apologies for not completing my journal in a timely manner. More to come...