Date: 2003-05-22
From: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: moderate rain

I see now the reason why the saying goes "dampened spirits." There's nothing like being wet to do so!Not that I'm wet this morning, but it's still raining.After the fewer miles yesterday and the nap yesterday afternoon, I didn't sleep quite as soundly. I woke up several times, conscious of dreams alternating between being in a dorm room and being on the trail. At one point the rain had stopped, then I heard it pouring again. Someone was snoring - or moaning. I couldn't tell which. I lay and watched it get light outside.It's funny: even after ten and a half hours of sleep again and the rest yesterday my legs still feel heavy. I'd wake up and feel almost like the muscles were contracted. I think I might be overdoing it.Well, one of my reasons for coming out here was to cultivate a slower pace of life! Maybe this rain is God's way of getting me to slow down a little. With those long mileages Monday and Tuesday, I wasn't really having time to sit and relax in the evening. Yesterday afternoon I was anything but bored, even though we sat for about three hours. I know Summer is disappointed though -- she wanted to go farther yesterday.Needless to say we are all disappointed. The shelter looks like a wash house, clothes, shoes, gear, backpacks, and rainflys are strung up all over.Still, underneath, I have an "all is well" contentment. So things aren't going "as planned." God has a bigger plan than mine! And, on the bright side, rain means 1) there won't be any shortage of water sources; 2) fewer bugs to grapple with; 3) fewer miserably HOT days down the road; 4) more greenery.Later...Well, I really don't want to go out there; it hasn't let up at all. But I think I'll bite the bullet and we'll push the 7.3 miles to the next shelter, eat lunch and then reassess.We left around 10:30 and once again, it's not so bad once I get out there. (Please note it was the GIRLS who left the shelter in the rain, the BOYS who stayed behind...)The rain slowed considerably and my pants, which had been wet when I put them on, felt dry within a half hour or so. Again it was mostly dripping from the trees rather than actually raining.My pace was decent, and my spirits rose. Soared actually, as we neared the Georgia-North Carolina border. I was so excited to have one state down I could hardly stand it! Summer and I posed for a self-portrait at the sign and then headed on. The sun even came out when we stopped for water at Bly Gap.My enthusiasm waned however after two or three brutal climbs -- welcome to North Carolina! Our pace was dreadfully slow, we finally stopped for lunch at 3:45 -- 7 1/2 hours after breafast. Way too long -- I was close to tears again. Summer kept pushing to the top of the climb we were on, and just when I was about to say, "I'm stopping here" she found a great spot just off the trail -- with a VIEW! I think our first yet. Wispy clouds creeping over the green rolling mountains, a lake and farmhouse in the valley, it reminded me of the Mitford books. I kind of like North Carolina. (The sun helps a lot!)Wouldn't you know, three hikers passed us headed for the shelter -- which was only about .1 mile on. We'd nearly made it there after all. Anyway, our lunch spot had a much better view than the shelter would have.We stopped in there and checked the register, then moved on to stay at Standing Indian Shelter.It may be just my imagination, or it may be the sunshine, but the woods are different in NC. The trees are more slender, and I think there's less ground flora. I forgot to mention all the ferns the past few days -- I noticed them first around Blue Mountain. Some places the fronds were nearly waist high! Very pretty.Anyway, I got to Standing Indian last, of course. Even Robert passed me, having left Plum Orchard after all at noon. Summer had already bonded some with the couple who had passed us earlier, John and Nichole.We were also greeted by four North Carolina men -- heavy Carolina drawls! They were entertaining. Two cub scout leaders -- they built us a great fire -- and two other friends.The sunset was even visible tonight; not the most spectacular ever, but a very welcome sight nonetheless.I've resigned myself I'm not going to get to Franklin for church on Saturday. Kind of bummed about that, but I will have my own special quiet time with God in the woods.Consequently, Summer's hatched a plan. She will hike 20 miles with John and Nichole tomorrow and get into Franklin Saturday morning. Her dad is picking her up there. Then since I'm low on food, they'll meet me at one of the road accesses further south of Franklin and bring me some -- and my maildrop if Summer can get it. If not, I'll just have it forwarded on to the next stop since I won't get into Franklin until Sunday and the PO will be closed Monday for Memorial Day.I am ambiguous about this plan. Glad I don't have to restrict my eating quite so much -- my appetite is really kicking in... But here I am now about to go it alone. Now the adventure really begins! I am, frankly, afraid. There it is, I said it.I turned to my Friend and Comforter, and found these words: Psalm 139:7: Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? Psalm 91:5: You will not fear the terror of night...Psalm 34: 4, 7, 9: I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears...The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them...Fear the lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.I half resent the people who raised all the questions about what if I'm accosted, or "two-legged predators" or...etc. I know they mean well and think they're just being realistic, but I hate how their concerns re-echo in my brain and cause me to view everyone I meet with suspicion. I don't want to live in fear -- and my Bible tells me I don't have to. I guess it's learning to temper trust with caution, not fear.