Date: 2009-05-01
From: Chattanooga, TN

To: Chattanooga, TN
Miles today: 0.0

It has been 3 weeks since we left the trail at the NOC near Bryson City, NC. Linda had her surgery and came through it very well. She is back to work full time! We also had a chance to make a trip to Nashville to see grand kids Kate and Jack and celebrate Jack's 3rd birthday. We also made a quick trip a trip to Austin, TX to see the 3 M's (grand kids Mike, Megan & Mark)The good news is Linda has her house husband back! I have decided that my AT Adventure is over. I said I would hike until I was no longer able or until it was not fun any more. To my surprise the not fun any more won out. After 9 days of rain, night time temperatures of 15 degrees, not being able to see 30 feet ahead of you because of the fog and not seeing the sun for days on end it was time to come back to the real world. The biggest problem even above all the ones previously mentioned was being away from Linda (I guess that after nearly 41 years,this coming Monday the heart does grow fonder.) I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to handle the physical part. The daily climbs were tough but by the 2nd week I was moving up and down the mountains without even having to take a break to breathe.I again want to thank my two good friends Wild Bill and Captain D. They made the experience that much more meaningful being able to share it with them.Also many thanks to family and friends who supported me on my journey. A special thanks to Linda who drove all over NC and Ga to re-supply and rescue us.I plan to go back and do some 2 and 3 day section hikes and hopefully complete the remaining NC section and TN this year.I would like to share with you some of my experiences on the AT:Two level shelters mean twice the amount of snoringCapacities for a shelter are only a suggestionIt is amazing how bad you can smell after only 3 days on the trail No matter how close you check there will always be a rock ortree root under your tent. Trail magic is all it is built up to beNC saved a lot of money by not putting roofs on their privies.NC does not believe in switch backsYou are meet all kinds of new friends:Too TallMany NamesHuckRif Raff & MommaSun Seeker Sun ShineRed Hawk Circuit Rider & Sherlock and more to numerous to mention It is amazing how many hikers and dogs you can fit into shelter when it is pouring down rain and freezing cold It is hard to imagine how loud rain is on a tin roofBears actually do steal food even when it is hung by an expert.How good a wood floor and thin air mattress can feel after a longdays hikeIt is helpful to camp with someone who is good at hanging food bagsand retrieving them in the morning. Thanks Sun Seeker and Too TallHow deep the mud on the trail can get after many days of rainWhen the trail guide says an easy 5 mile descent with an altitudechange of 3500 feet, do not believe it. How many tree roots and rocks there are to trip and fall overFog can actually freeze on plants and trees and create its own magical shaved ice. When every stitch of clothing you have is soaked you can You can actually roast wet socks and clothes over a roaring fire like a hot dog.If you don't believe there is a God two weeks of seeing all thebeauty he created should change your mind.One last thing an explanation of the origination of "Rock". A few years ago several of our friends and Linda and I were staying at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The guys slept in one bunk house and the girls in another. As I walked by my good friend and AT Hiking buddy Wild Bill, at 5:00 am he asked looking at my unruly hair "Did you comb your hair with a Rock?" Thanks again Wild Bill! I hope that someday everyone gets to experience at least part of their adventure whatever it may be.ROCK