Date: 2003-06-16
From: 501 shelter 

To: Eagles Nest Shelter 
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was one of those days when I walked just to get to the shelter. It didn't start out that way, but the rocks wore me down today. Plus, a lot of the trail was flat, and flat is sometimes boring. I was getting frustrated with myself because I kept tripping over rocks. "Wench! Pick up your feet!"The miles actually went by rather quickly, and I was "home" for the night before 3pm. Not the Kennedys were already here, and Paparazzi, Dirty Bird, Fidodido, and Sunpig all arrived within an hour of Hotdog and I. Texas Jack came along a few hours later, and I believe someone else just arrived too, while I was in the privy.This will be difficult to explain, but today, while hiking, I realized that all I do all day long is walk. I guess I never though about it before, or maybe it never struck me like that before, but that's what I do. It could have been because I was... just... tired today. (sigh)I'm excited about family coming. I haven't had a day off since Harpers Ferry, on the 4th of June. I want the rocks to end, even though I know the worst is yet to come. My feet hurt. I was tired today. I'm anxious to get to Port Clinton because family is coming two days after that. And more family a week after that. I need to sleep good tonight. Today just wasn't the best day I've had. I don't want to be anywhere else, but I just wasn't the same ol' chipper me. (sigh)Tomorrow will be a better day. 8.6 miles to Port Clinton, where I can stay for free in a pavilion, hitch to town for resupply and food, and relax. It's also just two days until Ma, Mich, Sam and Tristan will visit me. Yippee! That also means shower, food, and... I can't believe it will finally happen... HAIRCUT!!! I haven't had a haircut in 2-1/2 months, and I am ready for it! It's funny... most guys on the trail are growing their hair long, and I am keeping my formerly long hair short. Well, the hair on my head anyway. My leg and armpit hairs are longer than they've ever been.It cooled off last night, making good sleeping weather, but I didn't sleep well. I don't know why. My mind was racing last night, covering all sorts of topics. I thought about people that have passed away and still asked 'Why?' I shed a few tears thinking about those people, and wished I could talk to them. Some on my mind were Soleman, Dan S and Harry from work, Uncle Dale, my grandparents, Travis. I believe they are watching over me, and helping me do this. I want them to be proud of me.I thought about what I will do after this trip is over, both immediately, and the future (work). Since starting this hike, I've been able to come up with a lot of things I want to do, and most are other outdoor adventures. The difficult part is finding a way to, financially, be able to do them. I often wonder, if I return to the "real" world, will my changed perspectives change back? Will I want more 'stuff' even though I now say I don't need as much? Will I go back to the routine of work, work, work, with two weeks off in a year to play, just to support my need for 'stuff'? I hope not. I am afaid, if I join that lifestyle again, I won't leave it. I like the way living is simple out here. Is it possible to keep that simplicity in the "real" world? Lots of questions.I don't know that I expected answers to all of my life questions, but it seems I've found more questions. I have learned a lot about myself already, and am open to more education. In that, I will find my answers. For now, I hike. Because that is what I'm supposed to do. Every day.