Date: 2013-04-12
From: Microtel Inn - Gatlinburg

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

No, I'm not at Rocky Top today but this was a joyous day for me and I want to remember it. I am back home - again.We spent yesterday in Gatlinburg and I did all the things a thru-hiker does on a day in town. I ate a lot of food, did laundry, and bought food to resupply for 4 more days of hiking to get me through the Smokys. It was made easier because Nick was there to take me to all the places and I didn't have to navigate by way of the trolley. The storm never really arrived at least to the extent it was forecasted. We heard a little thunder late in the evening. I hope the storm never really arrived in the mountains and those who spent the night in their tents or the shelters were safe. I went to sleep but it was a fitful night for me.We awakened about 6 AM and Nick was going to take me back to Clingman's Dome. I had decided to take 4 days to complete the Smokys and then make a determination to continue or end the journey. For two days on the trail I had been trying to fight the mental battle to continue; their was a physical battle too but it was less intense. I gave in to the mental battle; I came home with Nick.I struggled with whether to say anything to the people at at Double Springs Shelter but decided that I should mention my struggle and that I had called my husband to meet me at Clingman's Dome. Thank you to everyone who offered words of encouragement and support. I truly listened. You were so kind to me. Even though we were actually strangers, the trail has a way of breaking down traditional barriers and I received your words as I would those from my closest family and friends. As I was leaving the shelter, the Ridge Runner said "I'll see you on the North side of the Smokys." I tried to say something for about 30 seconds of stammering but choked back tears and managed to utter 'you don't want to see me become a bawling mess' and I raised my pole, waived goodbye and walked down the trail. I had about 3 miles to hike to meet Nick at Clingman's Dome parking lot and the weather was threatening. I remembered standing atop Clingman's Dome tower last fall when the weather was so clear and we could see forever. I thought about driving home from that trip and remarking to my husband as we passed by the mountains at 70 mph that the next time I would arrive at Clingman's Dome, I would walk here through these mountains. And I did on April 11, 2013. The winds were so strong as I neared the top that I was pushed to the side. I was thankful that it was not raining because it would have stung my face and hands and it was cold. The rocks were slippery. There was a rainy mist in the clouds as they blew by. I was thankful there was no snow or ice. There were no views from 6,643 ft., the highest elevation in the Great Smoky Mountains on this day.I want to thank all who supported me through prayer, words of support written in my guest book and sent to me via email. You have touched my heart and blessed me immensely.Thank you also to all who supported me through a gift to Homes For Our Troops. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and will help men and women who have been severely injured serving our country to live in a home built according to their individual needs. Your gift has touched my heart was well.Of course, I am most grateful to my husband. On three occasions he has come to retrieve me from the trail on short notice. Two of those times he has driven many hours, leaving the house in the wee hours of the morning and he continues to be supportive of my journey. Amazing !Do I want continue the journey? Do I have the physical and mental stamina? Should I say I did my best and I just could not do it? Am I a quitter? Did God really invite me to the trail or was it my imagination? If He invited me to experience the trail, did I experience what He desired for Me or what He wanted me to accomplish?I don't know the answers. However, I do know that prayer is powerful. P.S. I am adding videos and pictures to these past few days if you'd like to check back and see them.