Date: 2008-05-12
From: Rt 22, NY... Mac and Cheese's house

To: Williamston, MA
Miles today: 149.9

Ok folks. I am sitting in the public library in Williamston, MA. I have made it to the North Adams crossing on the AT, which is mile 1579.9. I have to decide if I am going to hike an additional 18 or 19 miles to Bennington, VT before I head back home for a short 'break'.There is a ton on my mind and even more laid upon my heart as I type this. I have had to come to the decision of whether or not I should take a few weeks off of the trail and head down to NC. There are quite a few factors I have had to consider and I have decided to make the choice of going. If I were to stay, I am not guaranteed the type of refocusing, rejuvention, internal revamp I need to complete this trail. If I go home, it may present difficulties in wanting to return...but I know I want to finish this AT journey by reaching the summit of Katahdin. I am hestitant to take a break because all I have known on this trip will be instantly changed. I won't be hiking with Vagus or Skittles or Torchie.. They all will be long gone. I may meet new folks, which would be cool...but I may walk and camp alone, which I haven't experienced in full force yet. I don't want to live on either side of regret- with going or staying. As I labored over my decision, I have been drawn towards to need to let this 'worry' go. I was just reminded that God's timing is so much bigger than my understanding. All I can ask for is that He light the path at my feet...and I desire to follow in obedience. This doesn't lighten my sadness in regards to no longer hiking/living alongside Vagus and Skittles.. There are many tears I have cried and many more yet to come... Being back in NC for two weeks will more than likely be exactly what I need spiritually and emotionally. Physically it might present a catch-22 for me with 'time off', but so be it. Mentally I may have to fight the desire to stay in NC, but I think the spiritual rejuvenation will encourage mental focus. All I can do from here on out is be..and see how it goes. God is much greater than any of my worries..and I will be confident in His provision for me. I will return to the trail, though, in early June..ready to take on what is in store for me. I have a desire to see the Whites and experience Maine. I have the desire to complete this thru-hike- strong. I have signed all of the registers as, "Stride GAME '08". There is no way I could go back this year to correct that- so I must make it to Maine! I hiked Mt Greylock yesterday- slacked it, but I didn't feel slack at all. I have some nerve/muscle tweaking going on in my right butt cheek and it shoots pain down my leg each time I put pressure on it. NO GOOD. Made it hard to happily finish yesterday. I also have been dealing with intestinal cramps each morning when I wake up...that also hit me randomly through the day. I think we drank bad water in NY and I have been the last one to get hit with the pains of it. My body is doing some weird stuff as of late. That is what I get for making light of Vagus' and Skittles' bouts. Perhaps they shouldn't be named "Hypo" and "Chondriac"... haha..My feet are okay, though!All in all, though, these past few days have offered up some needed conversation and some laughter. I look forward to meeting some of the folks behind me. What else does this journey have left for me??!