Date: 2008-03-10
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

   Yesterday was crazy cold. The temp was 32 but the wind made it bitter cold. Being from Minne-snow-ta, I am well acquainted with the cold and thought it felt 5 below with the wind chill. With the sun up we had a chance of survival but after we had gone the 11 miles to get to Wood's Hole shelter we went to bed really quick. I was second in bed since I still have no appetite and only had some hot propel water and a clif bar. I got very little sleep but the conversation was great! Sauerkraut and I sang songs together and I rapped some 'Say Shh' by atmosphere and Todd and 'Kraut sang me a lullaby. We came up with shortened versions of my name and here are the renditions: M'pop (Said like the Hanson song M'Bop), MP, and Poppins. Leslie still doesn't have a trail name but she'll have a great one eventually I am sure.    Leslie and I got up with the light because she was shivering and hadn't slept all night. Neel's Gap by 10 and I spent a few hours going over my bag at the outfitter's and re-distributing my food boxes. All is well and I bought a nice post card to send home to my mom. Leslie and I decided to part ways because our paces were so different. Luckily, Sauerkraut and her dad were generous enough to extend an invitation to me to join their little group for the next few weeks. We three get along really well so I anticipate some good laughs and many smiles to our way. Leslie seemed relieved that she didn't have to break the bond and we did it amicably. I still plan to read her blog and I hope she shares the pics we took on her camera. Day four and still going strong. My family is far away but I think the father daughter pair I am now walking with will be good for me. Kind of brings the family environment I am craving out here.    Alright, Blood mntn was NOT hard at all on the way up like I had heard. The hard part of that mountain is the trak downhill. Huge boulders to climb down and the trail was completely iced over in parts. The wind was coming on strong and at some points I held on to a tree while the wind blew so I wouldn't fall on the especially icy parts. I have decided to record all of the things I am learning now, tell me if you can relate!1. When your sleep pad says "Self-inflating" on it, that doesn't mean it blows up on its own, that means you are the "Self" and that you need to do the inflating. No wonder I was cold the last few nights.2. Don't forget to drink water!!3. Don't try to keep up with a group, but refuse to get left behind. Meet in the middle4. Try not to panic.5. Use a mantra to soothe torrential emotions. Mine: "You are not alone. You are safe. You will prevail.6. Wet gloves are not better than no gloves. And when your fingers go from frozen to numb, that is not a good sign!7. Pack fit, Pack fit, Pack fit!8. Don't leave the positive attitude at home. Complaining does nothing to improve morale.9. Remember that even if you hurt, there is someone out there who hurts worse but just keeps going.10. And lost but not least, it is important to remind oneself that 'Quitting in not an option!"   More will come as I learn them!   ---Mary POppins I would sign off with atmosphere but the mouse on this computer sucks and that would involve a bit too much dexterity.    Shout out to: EMILY!! I love you so much, your a bright spot in my life!