Date: 2003-04-09
From: Motel

To: Franklin Rotary Club
Miles today: 0.0

Silver Lining and Hiker Biker Babe left early this morning so that Silver Lining could meet her husband at Nantahala Outdoor Center on Friday.There were more tears shed as they said goodby and got into the shuttle.Back in the room,I cried openly with Mudbutt.Everyday we had this routine we went through.As we topped a mountain,we would raise our poles and say:"Tell the queen we have taken the mountain". A really tough climb would involve us doing the dance of the real woman,which is a dance designed by Muddbut. With a couple kicks,hiking poles twirlling,we would yell at the top of our lungs,"I'm a real woman!" Then there was the daily question I would ask Mudbutt ,"Hey Mudbut" "Yes" she would answer."We are hiking to Maine" She would grin that wonderful grin she has and answer "That we are Bumpkin,that we are"In fact I had announced several days earlier that I had decided that the name of my book about this hike would be "Hey,Anna;We are hiking to Maine"We both were devastated,I know Mudbutt more so because she had been planning and dreaming for over three years for this trip.Her mother came in from Atlanta to take her home and doctor her.I made her promise to do whatever the doctor said s!o in 4 weeks she could join us on the trail.We burst into tears again.A young girl that was at the motel and was contemplating going home had shown up at our door the night before.Her name is Pushing Up Daisies.She was covered in hives and when Mudbutt's mom saw her back this morning,nothing would do but that she take her over to the doctor to be checked out.I had gotten a short spot on the program at the Franklin Rotary at noon today and had someone picking me up.So they headed over to the doctor and I waited for my ride. It was so nice to be amoung fellow Rotarians and they made me feel really welcome.Mudbutt,her mom Dixie and Pushing Up Daisies showed up to hear my short presentation.I picked up several more sponsors for Polio Plus and promises of more later. Back at the motel,it was finally time to say good bye to Mudbutt.More tears were openly shed and I had to pull myself away from the van.It was like if I stayed with her she wouldn't have to leave.but leave she did and I went back to my room.Pushing Up Daisies had graciously asked me to share her room with her for the night,so we moved my stuff into her room.I had gotten a spot on the Thurs am Rotary Mtg.so I was staying another day.I decided to go get a massage to help me feel better.I ended up getting a donation from her.She was helping with her mother in law who was a polio victim. Earlier I had called the Baptist Church for a ride to Weds.night service.They called me back to ask Pushing Up Daisies and I to join them for the supper they have every Weds.night.It felt really good to be in church,and once again we were made to feel welcome,even though the long dreadlocks on Pushing Up Daisies' head caused some stares.The people at church were for the most part all retirees and seemingly transplants from Floria and Minnesota,which is where Pushing Up Daisies is from.It is back on the trail tomorrow after my presentation at Rotary.I hear from hikers that the US has the city of Bagdad.It is hard to remember we are at war now.