Date: 2006-04-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

surprise! here I am checking in sooner than I thought. I'm in Gainesville, GA, home of Schlotsky's Deli ("Funny Name- Serious Sandwich"). Also home to three beautiful iMac computers, which the lady behind the counter said are for anyone to use. I was going to go look for the local library, but I'm more than happy to just hang out here while I let my serious sandwich digest.The bus trip wasn't quite as bad as I expected. There were some crowds and delays, which they said was because it's a holiday weekend (a fact I hadn't considered when I bought my ticket). The most notable portion of the trip was the leg between D.C. and Richmond, where I was sandwiched between two interesting characters. To my left was a younger guy who spent much of the trip on his cell phone, his language seemingly limited to a few select profanities. This fellow was downright likeable, however, compared to the guy across the aisle. He came in looking every bit the part of a respectable businessman: trench coat, dress shoes, slacks, etc. Either the temperature, or something else, was making him uncomfortable, however, because it wasn't long before he ditched the coat, lost his shoes, and finally, shed the shirt. Even the pant legs got rolled up. Now I could have just shut my eyes and tried to sleep, all except for his annoying pattern of random mutterings and mumblings, scratching and slapping himself, dropping coins and using his lighter to see and retrieve them, and stretching across the aisle, invariably hitting or kicking me, my pack, and my seat. I could go on but you get the idea.On to Gainesville. The bus station here is tiny. Just an office and waiting room, and a couple of bathrooms. As soon as I arrived I set off to find the Visitor Center, which I overheard was about four blocks away. I didn't find it, but ended up at the local chamber of commerce, where they were really friendly. They let me use the phone and gave me a local map. When the lady behind the counter asked if I was hiking the AT, I was proud to answer in the affirmative. I then spent about 45 minutes on the sidewalk out front, eating snacks, reading my bible, and studying the local map. Mostly I just felt like a bum. It was a weird feeling just sitting there. People would walk past and give me strange looks, and I half expected a cop to come by and point to some No Loitering sign. I suppose I'll get used to this....It got to see an old friend from school, who drove all the way up from Atlanta to meet me for lunch. Thanks Sara! It was great getting caught up. I appreciate you taking the time. Thanks for the ride, too =)I'm about 40 miles from my destination, Amicola Falls State Park. A hiker who lives in this area has offered to give me a ride over there when he gets off work, so I have to be back at the bus station by about five to meet him. After a 17 hour bus trip, I'm ready for some hiking!Oh, one other thing: the weather here is beautiful. Sunny and probably in the eighties. Sara said it's supposed to be nice all weekend. And everything is green, unlike PA, where most trees were just starting to bud when I left yesterday.Thanks to everyone for their good wishes, and mom and dad especially for helping me with last minute stuff and seeing me off! I love you guys.