Date: 2018-02-06
From: Kingsport Tennessee 

To: Kingsport Tennesee
Miles today: 0.0

Peaches here.  It's been about a week now that I've had to figure out the daily routine and get acclimated to being on my own while Zin is on the trail or camped out at my folks.   Moximillion, Lumpy and I seem to have found our groove but it's only a week.A few things have helped make the acclimation easier for me.   Zin did a few smaller test hikes that had me on my own.  It was a good way to test the waters and see how my working from home, doing chores, taking care of the critters and handling any unforeseen things played out.    We talked through what my role should be for him - what did he need from me. First and foremost, in no uncertain terms, i needed to completely support this adventure and not decide half way through this wasn't for me.   We know it will be hard.   He had me read articles about other couples and what they did so I could get perspective.  I'm all in.  My role is and will continue to be head cheerleader for Zin.  For those of you reading this, it's also your role.  I've been with him for 35+ years so I imagine sometimes my encouragement translates to a conversation with Charlie Brown's teacher - wawawa.   I'll send resupply stuff his way when and where he wants me to. I have a support network in place.  The kids take care of the house and pets if I travel.  Cliff, our wonderful neighbor, who does security keeps an eye on me and the house to watch for anything sketchy. I let folks know where I will be and when.  I can call any time of day or night and he'll be in here in a minute even if I hear something scary.  I'm not quite that spookish but good to know.  I know of companies who can do services around the house like yard maintenance or things I don't know how to do or again the wonderful neighbors will help.   Sometimes I'll try to do things on my own. Whether I should or not comes down to being too stubborn to bother others - I hate to inconvenience anyone.   Don't be afraid to ask for help.   I'm slowly learning that folks really mean it when they offer it and I'm not here on an island by myself.I can't stress enough making sure you find time to interact with people as well. I work from home so my direct interaction is limited so I try to find time to meet with the kids, walk the dog with a friend or just get out.   The one thing that gets me every once in a while is the profound silence in the house.   Until you have silence you don't know how much interaction, movement and engagement you have everyday with those around you.   We've been lucky that we can text or talk every day - Verizon has been great service so far.  I honestly don't mind the peace and quiet but it's only been a week.  At some point the solitude might just drive me batshit crazy.I've done all the things on the lists I've mentioned we had in a previous post and keep Zin updated so hopefully it eases his mind that I'll be ok and he can focus on the journey. As he mentioned, I got my AT guide yesterday so I'll be following his journey as well which is something I'd recommend to those who are supporting a thru hiker.  I will know where he is or should be should something happen and we can talk about and discuss what that stretch of trail was like, who he encountered (human or critters) so that I can be part of the adventure at least in spirit.  Thank you to everyone for your posts so far. We both read them.  Your encouragement and wisdom will keep us both going until we take the last picture on top of Katadin together - finishing what we started together.As always love and safe travels    Smalls steps....Big Dreams      Peaches