Date: 2009-04-21
From: Winding Stair Gap (Franklin, NC)

To: Winding Stair Gap (Franklin, NC)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

So far, today has been a bit of a tough day. I woke up this morning, iced my feet again, ate our last supply of fruit and then prepared myself to check out. Wendy and the rest of the gang were heading back to the trail today and I have been forced into another 'zero' day and contemplating what I should do. I obviously do not want to pay for another hotel room or even stay at the hostel b/c of money costs. The weather will be beautiful over the next few days, so I might be able to find a place to set up my tent. Little bit dangerous but cost-efficient. There is no real need to go to the doctor b/c I'm thinking that the ankle swelling is a result from the instability of my Crocs. Therefore, the clicking that I experienced yesterday is from the increased swelling of the ankle. Walking on it today feels pretty good, but I have so far resisted my temptations to return to the trail in order to give it another day of rest. My new Keen shoes provide extra support and I do not think that my ankle will be overturning out on the trail. Oh, the trials and tribulations of the AT. I am writing this from a Subway restaurant close to the Sapphire Inn. I just devoured a huge footlong Marinara Meatball Sandwich - well worth it. As I sit here pondering the dilemna, I definitely feel a bit down on myself. I have to heal my body and re-discover why I am out here and remain grounded with these values - separating myself from the traditional way of life, embracing the simplicity of life on the trail, and reveling in the opportunity to be surrounded by nature. I know that I'm going to do well once my ankle heals up. I know that I'm going to enjoy myself. I can feel it. This is the positivism that I need. Later on - At the Subway Restaurant, I started a conversation with Steve, who I found was a big time attorney in the Franklin area. He was asking me questions about the trail and I was asking him questions about how he became a lawyer and his own life. He was an older chap - probably in his late 50's. After attending West Point, he headed to Duke University Law School, where he said he drank himself nearly to death. He's been in Alcohol Anonymous for the past 26 years and has been clean for many years now. When he wants to find peace, he claims that he heads to New York City. He feels as if he needs to be in civilization. Although he can appreciate nature, he always has to have some sign that humans have touched the area. I didn't quite understand his explanation, but I guess some people just enjoy the comfort of being close to a town. For me, I certainly can appreciate the big bustling cities, but I also enjoy peace and quiet of the outdoors. After talking for a good 40 minutes, he offered me a ride in his Mercedes-Benz to the Haven Budget Hotel, a half mile away. My pack and trekking poles barely fit inside his small two-seater car. When wished each other well and, as I got out, I saw several hikers that I met earlier on in my hike. Mike, the guy who started off with a 70 lb. pack and absolutely no idea how to hike, shouted 'Tully, you are the only guy that can get picked up by someone driving a Mercedes-Benz'. I chuckled and then proceeded to find someone with whom I could bunk for the night. I met Matt, the guy from Vegas, and Alison, a young woman from Troy, NY, and managed to room with them for the night to cut down on costs. We headed off to the Outfitters where I purchased a new ankle brace; I sent the old one home b/c of weight concerns. Afterwards, we headed to Ingles to pick up some fruit and then we were off to the Tokyo Restaurant where we destroyed endless plates of sushi. It was slow service, but we had a few beers together and our waitress brought us some extra foods to tide us over while the sushi was being made. It was the best meal that I've had while out on the trail and we all really enjoyed ourselves. I'll be heading back to the trail tomorrow so I'm going to get a good night's sleep. Wish me (and my ankle) luck!