Date: 2009-04-04
From: Peace out Smokies!!!

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,After four days of soggy, viewless weather through the Smokies we finally had sunshine for our final 24 miles of the park. The second half of the trail through the park was much more enjoyable than the steep, rocky climbs of the first few days. The well-graded and relatively flat trail north of Newfound Gap provided more opportunity to look around and enjoy our surroundings rather than looking down at our feet, watching every rocky step. The first nine miles north of Newfound Gap could have been my favorite stretch of AT thus far... and that's coming from a girl who hiked it in rain, wind, and fog! I bet the views were spectacular although we couldn't see a thing. Your imagination can do wonders, sometimes. We passed Charlie's Bunion which is supposed to be amazing, and for a bit, the earth sloped away on either side of the trail, as if walking along a knife's edge, or the backbone of the Smokies. It was fantastic, until you had to pee and realized there was no where to go except right on the trail. If only we could have seen more than fog that day... hiking on a narrow 2 foot wide ridge amidst fog was still beautiful, in it's own foggy way.Our last two days were sun-filled, and were great, except all major attractions and viewpoints were behind us and we felt as though we were already on our way out of the Smokies without having ever caught glimpses of the exceptional views advertised on postcards and such. It's crazy to think the Smokies are behind me. They were my first big, mental, milestone of this journey. Unfortunately, I feel like I never really saw the Smokies for what they really are. Oh well, I was there in '05 in nice weather so I know what was behind all that fog.Currently, I'm basking in the hot sun at the hiker oasis, Standing Bear Farm. Gangsta and I just mowed a pizza. Tomorrow a cold front is supposed to move in, bringing possible snow/sleet/rain. Ick. We were really hoping for nice weather to camp atop Max Patch Bald tomorrow, but it doesn't look like that will happen. Goodbye 70's and sunshine. It was nice while it lasted.Gangsta and I continue to hike together, although we've temporarily split from the rest of the crew. We're hoping to meet back up with Saint, Wind Up, Hermes and Rusticus in Hot Springs, NC in a few days, though. It's hard not knowing if your paths will cross again. People often ask what we do to fill the time while we hike. Conversations can range from the silly and mundane:"I think I blew my nose ring out in a snot rocket""Did you hear that person snoring in the corner of the shelter last night? They were either having a nightmare or sex dream.""How do you southerners determine the difference between Coke-a-Cola or another soda if you use the word "coke" for all sodas????""what's the deal with the midwest word pop?"To serious contemplations about life:Alcoholics Anonymous uses a lot of principles that are very applicable to life on the trail, and life in general: -"This too shall pass" -"One day at a time" -Serenity Prayer: "grant me the serenity   to accept the things I cannot change [weather, others' attitudes];   courage to change the things I can [our own attitudes and mindsets];   and wisdom to know the difference." And miles are passed in fits of giggles often due to funny circumstances regarding bodily functions or the unfortunate landing place of a snot rocket (shoe or pants) (wind direction is key). Apparently our laughter can be heard a quarter mile before we come into sight.And of course, singing is a great time passer. Our favorite song to sing as we're nearing a town is Jimmy Buffet's Cheeseburgers in Paradise. Another favorite is Zac Brown's Chicken Fried.The best piece of advice I've heard (thanks Beth and Bernie!) is "Never quit on a rainy day." It's literal on the AT but a great metaphor for life in general. We all have bad days, but if you tough it out, push through it, those are the days you'll feel challenged, proud of yourself, accomplished, and stronger because of it. If you find yourself still unhappy and wanting to quit when it's sunny and 65 out, okay, then maybe you should rethink why you are out on the trail. But, trust me, everyone wants to quit on rainy days. Maybe that's why the drop-out rate is so high on the trail. It rains all the friggin' time!Also, on the trail name front, it's been driving me a bit crazy. I couldn't seem to find one that fit or I identified with. I decided settling on a trail name is like a relationship. You gotta test it out for a bit to see if it suits you. Thus far, none have been "keepers". It doesn't help that all of my hiking buddies can't seem to come up with any that are trailjournals.com appropriate or that I'd want to explain when people ask how I got it. However, I think I've finally found "the one!" My newest trail name, and hopefully last is (drum roll, please.............) SPORT! I wear Adidas soccer shorts daily (when not donned in full rain gear, which hasn't been often lately), a bandana on my head, and am athletic, competitive, and energetic. It seems fitting. So, sorry for the false identities. I've been in the midst of a three-week identity crisis myself, but hopefully it's over now.That's all for now. Hope you enjoyed this lengthy update! I'll be weaving back and forth across TN and NC state lines for awhile and entering VA in about two weeks. My next town stop is Hot Springs, NC in about 3 days, so hopefully you'll hear from me again then!Happy Trails,the one and only... SPORT!