Date: 2008-04-20
From: Fontana Dam -Hike Inn

To: Zero Day.
Miles today: 0.0

Sometime during the evening, we all agreed that a Zero day was in order. It would be our first full day off since we started.Since it had been awhile since we all had been together, the reunion was good medicine for everyone.Since we were getting ready to go into the Smoky's, a little rest wouldn't hurt. Besides, my knees could use a break. Had I known it would be like this, I would have taken better care of them years ago. (Well it's sounds good in theory anyway). Back then I was indestructable and probably wouldn't have listened to reason.For our first Zero day, it started with a home made breakfast. Sprite & Freckles took command of the kitchenette and whipped up scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns,fruit, bagels and coffee. This was a far cry from oatmeal and power bars.The Hike Inn is a cool little place. There are 6 units. 5 are for guests, the other room is for Jeff & Nancy's cats. Everyone's gear was spread out on the grass and hung up anywhere that could be found. We pulled our chairs outside and spent the day together, talking, repairing gear and eating.Jeff had an excellant collection of arrowheads and Indian artifacts that he had found over the years. I looked at them a few times throughout the day. I rummaged through the hiker box and found an item or two that I could use. For those not aware, a hiker box is a collection of stuff, consisting of food, clothing, gadjets and anything else a previous hiker no longer wants to carry. Once in the box it is up for grabs by anyone. Nothing is so sacred, that it eventually couldn't end up here.After that terrific breakfast, Freckles family arrived with leftovers from last night. They spent about an hour with us before heading back to Murphy N.C.Later some of us took a shuttle into town and had dinner. Finally, accessing a payphone, I attempted to call Karly. unfortunately she was not home. Bummer, it will be a while before I can try again. I was lucky enough to get a hold of my son Tony, it was a brief call. His wife whom is serving in Iraq was calling and that takes priority.Shuttling us was Andrea, a part-time architect and friend of Nancy's. Riding with us, I met a new hiker. His name is "Easy does it". He had done the trail before and is back for more.Easy had some silicone glue and helped me repair the hole in my tarptent. I appreciated his help. Thanks again "Easy does it"!It's now 21:00 (9:00 p.m.) I'm finishing packing. Tomorrow we head out for the Smokys. My back country permit has been completed. I am supplied for 7 days and that makes for a heavy pack. I am excited to be heading into the Smokys. My parents brought us here alot on vacation while I was growing up. It holds a certain nostalgic charm. I have noticed in my journal, that I have focused more on the people experiencerather than, the actual trail itself. Perhaps it is because I had previously always backpacked alone? This is a new experience being with other hikers.I have always enjoyed the solitude of the wilderness. I am in my element and feel my best when I am part of it, It is my special place and my church.However, based on other journals I have read as well, I have come to the conclusion that it is in fact the "people" whom make this the journey what it is. Don't get me wrong, the AT is a beautiful, intriguing and mystical path of challenge, reward and surprise. But already I realize how much more it is, by sharing it with others. How did I get chosen, or rather, how did we get chosen and brought together?We didn't make a pact or start a club. It just happened and here we are.I have met others whom seem to be wandering, looking to belong and be a part of something but have not found it? I feel something incredible has happened to me, I know good things are in store.God, how I love being out here! The AT is a trail of dreams and equally a trail of tears. It is hope and it is despair. Just being out here, treading the path, climbing the mountains, enduring the pain while at the same time feeling joy. It is a rare gift. And in that gift, is the other chosen few that I am sharing it with.I can't express further what I am feeling? It is beyond my vocabulary.But it feels goooood!