Date: 2013-04-19
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0

Zero in Erwin today and tomorrow! Yeah, rest, food, and hot showers. 2 Socks and DB Cooper and i shuttled into town this morning for resupply and they got haircuts. My buzz cut a couple of weeks ago still working! Physical condition update; lt. knee still swollen, but improving with ice and rest! Back much better, blisters, well, it seems, I heal one blister and get another. Just have to deal. Not sure how much weight I've lost, but I definitely have my hiker appetite.I said I would talk about the types of people out here. The vast majority of folks are really considerate and helpful. You have the really young, just out of high school, or just graduated college. They are just enjoying the adventure before starting careers or work. The other's are in my category, older, 50's plus, who either are retired and always wanted to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, have the time, money and support back home. Most like I said are very considerate, kind of like we're all in this together attitude. I have run into a few, very few, who only consider themselves. I was talking to one guy who was in his late 30's who's attitude on life was, I don't work, I just live man! No home, no job, for over 8 years! I had to ask, so how do you do that? I don't live for "the man"! Man! A totally entitled attitude! Ugh! Another lady in her 20's said I just drift from one place to another. Haven't wanted to live in anyone place for years. I felt sad, thinking, this is someone's daughter, who probably has parents worried sick. Again, a very few, usually the young crowd, who seem to only consider themselves as far as sharing shelters, leaving trash, etc.. I think a generation that is growing up with an attitude of entitlement, that the government should take care of them! I say, the government isn't your Mommy and Daddy! Man! Again, I don't mean to stereotype, and most, young and old are very appreciative of this awesome opportunity! And most really try and take care of the trail. Leave no trace!I've been inspired by so many, especially the couples who are doing this together. What an experience to share! Either makes them closer, or can be a real challenge. Hiking solo has its plus's and minus's, can be lonely at times, but also can be peaceful. Even solo's like myself usually end up hiking with people they meet who have similar hiking styles and similar backgrounds. I have been hiking with 2 Socks who is one year older than me, who also is a man of faith. We both hike about the same miles and speed. I'm really enjoying the friendship were building. Whether we stay together or not, it's been fun. There are so many people I've met who I really have enjoyed getting to know even for a short time. Many are faster, slower, etc.. I may or may not see them again. But, I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet and share our experience. One of the blessings I've experienced, and I have had many, is, it has renewed my faith that most people want to feel connected. I hope I can be a good example of what a person of faith, looks and acts like. We all fall short! I was talking to one person who said, so why does God let bad things happen! I said, being a man of faith doesn't always prevent tough times or bad things from happening, but I do know, in my "heart of hearts", that Christ is always with me, to help me go through the hard times with Him! I'm never alone! I find this very comforting. I wish more people could experience this truth. I've come to realize that it is not my job to defend my faith, but to profess it! Every time I try and defend it, I fall short! But, I can share and profess what Christ has done in my family's and my life, very easily. I'm still learning! One of my hopes and prayers during this journey, has been to have a closer, more intimate relationship with The Lord. To increase my belief, and faith, just as King David did. Thank you Awesome Wife for the trail magic of a very comfortable stay in a hotel to recuperate! It is so comforting to know she is always praying for me and providing great home support in so many ways! I love and miss you! Definitely the hardest part of a Thru-hike!Enough preaching for today. 50/50 Out!