Date: 2008-02-02
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 36.1

I am still trying to figure out how to get the miles correct on this thing without having to update every day. I clearly did not hike 36.1 miles in one day...but that is how far we have gone since the last time I posted.We are currently at our friend, Katie's, house...We needed the first zero day..TODAY! We had a hell of a time yesterday walking down Tray Mountain due to a massive and incredible ice storm. We hiked 11 miles from Neel's Gap- WINDY!!! to Low Gap Shelter...Then we hiked a tough 15.1 miles to Tray Mountain Shelter. We had to hike over too big mountains.. of course, it was WINDY! We never thought the shelter would come- but it did! About 20 minutes after we arrived in the shelter, it began to rain. Well, apparently it rained ALL night. The wind continued to whip around and then the cold really set in. I woke up randomly- tossing and turning. I could hear stuff falling around us. When I finally decided to poke my head out of the tent, everything was covered in ice! Tree limbs were falling. We started walking- very apprehensive...Ice dropped all around us. The tree limbs canopied the trail- making it TOUGH to hike through. We got pelted by random ice dropping off of the trees... Yesterday was a tough 11 miles! We finally made it to Dick's Creek Gap and then we had to wait 2 hours for a ride! It was WINDY, of course, and it was the lowest point for me yet. Some random folks, Eugene and Kelly, stopped by to pick us up. They took us to Hiawassee and we met up with some of Katie's friends. Nonetheless, we are here... cleaned, rested, and recovering from the long hikes and frustrating moments.This weather- wind and cold- has been taxing. Thankfully the Lord has been gracious with sparing us from having to walk in rain. We are taking it one step at a time... There is a lot on my mind. This has been much tougher than I ever expected!! I have wanted to seriously quit on two occasions, but I am not going to.... Boy, this is CRAZY!I was walking yesterday and even in the midst of frustration, I know this is what I am supposed to be doing... I am convicted when I get really angry out there, too. I TRULY desire to glorify God through every aspect of my life. When I am really upset, that does not lift Him up...it doesn't show how thankful I am... This is an once in a lifetime opportunity. I MUST be reminded of this... There is SO much for me to learn.We are headed to NC in a matter of a day or two. HOW AWESOME!! I still don't have a trailname.. I am undecided on whether I should choose one or not..or let one come. We haven't run into a group of thru-hikers yet. I really wish we would... That interaction with other folks really does have a positive effect...and we are missing out on that part of the adventure. Hmmm..I just read some of the recent posts you all put up...and I cannot help but be ENCOURAGED. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! It definitely warms my heart and I will keep those words of love in mind when I am struggling. This has been tough, but I asked for the challenge. THANK YOU for your prayers, as well. Please continue to pray for us... I will do my best to keep this updated as often as possible.I am pulling for you thru-hikers yet to start... Crazy adventure.. That is the only word that comes to my mind consistently.. CRAZY..