Date: 2016-04-03
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 38.0
Weather: clear sky

Mile 275- After a week of cold, hard hiking, I am feeling relaxed and happy today in Hot Springs, NC. The last week has been physically and emotionally difficult, but I have managed-with a little help from my friends- to return to a steady mental state. It is amazing how vital that is out here. It is everything. The hardest part is the extraordinary physical discomfort, especially r/t feeling cold, wet- frequently both. The weather puts you on roller-coasters not unlike the walking grade I daily experience. I had a difficult time a few days back. Was contemplating heading into Gatlinburg and the thought of heading home from there was definitely simmering. My friend and walking companion, Portuguese, talked me through it. Here's how. I mentioned in a previous blog that Portuguese is a hiker and renowned writer in his home country of Portugal. Knowing I was feeling tentative, he kept me out of Gatlinburg and on the trail. He said he wanted me there atop Mount Katadin with him, to take his picture for the book he is writing about the AT. Said he would credit the photographer and I would be a hero in his country! God love him! Well, I couldn't pass that up. So Thank you, My friend. I may need to adopt a new country at some point and your country sounds very tempting. By the Way- Portuguese has hiked many trails in several countries and he definitively states the AT is the most challenging trail he has done to date. Picked a goody for my first!   Speaking of this being my first- I am a capable, but undeniably novice hiker. I've mentioned this before, but staying warm and dry is an art and a science that the veteran hikers do instinctively. For me it is effort and it is trial and error. Not everyday is cold or rainy, but the other day I battled snow again. I awoke to 1/2 inch of ice on my tent and hiking clothes wet from the day before. Despite the weather, I have to get up and get dressed in dampish clothes, layer up, pack up (this day included shaking the ice off my tent before packing it). As I walk, I need to strategically shed the outer clothes. The smart wool is great but dries best when on you and you're moving. So, sometimes wearing these clothes is the best way to dry them. A calculated decision depending on conditions. I do appreciate those experienced hikers who offer wisdom to me. Soak it up like a little kid. Thanks Veterans!   Yesterday was a great day. Finally met up with my nephew Paul and his girlfriend Kara. We missed last week but he tried again (appreciate the tenacity!) I managed to get him my coordinates (cell service very bad here) and they parked up trail and walked South until they found me. We walked together a good 9 miles where they headed to the car to drive to Hot Springs to meet me as I traveled the distance on foot. Arriving in Hot Springs, I had more welcome visitors. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mickie and Jerry, were there to meet me. So wonderful to have familiar folks around. Spent a great evening with the 4 of them as well as my 2 trail buddies, Portuguese and Feral. Had a great dinner courtesy of Feral (thank you, Bud) and a great cottage waiting for me bought and paid for by Mic and Jer. Unexpected generosity. Refueled me for the coming journey. Thanks to all of you! My endearing gratitude.       Since this is a journal of thanks, I want to extend my appreciation to those sending me well wishes on my Guest Book. Your messages lift me more than I can say...      I have learned that my will to continue is inspiration from within. But the kindness of others has been so helpful and it does fuel that inspiration.   Wondering- Can this good will get me through the next challenges?   Sure to help....