Date: 2019-04-16
From: Russell Field shelter

To: Fontana Dam visitors center
Miles today: 14.1

I got up at 3am to pee and the wind was calm.and the moon was so bright I didn't need a headlamp. I went around the corner of the shelter and just as I was tidying up a male hiker headed towards me with the same need for relief. He noticed me when I spoke and quickly deviated away. That was close! During breakfast this morning Michael told me that he had mice encounters both at Silers Bald shelter and here at Russell Field. To be honest I'd forgotten about the mice but I too used to lay awake on watch as they ran by my face and over my hair. They no longer keep me awake, they just seem normal now. He wasn't complaining but he didn't look impressed either, having thought about where all the poop might be. I ate my oatmeal and he his Mountain House breakfast skillet, the thought and of which made me a bit queasy. Today would be my last day on trail and I'd just spent my last night. I looked at the shelter one more time and the new hikers with less than 200 miles under their boots and thought how their adventure was just beginning and mine is at its end. As I walked away it choked me up. But I still had 14.1 miles to roll over before I reached it and I was going to savor it. Today was going to be beautiful. The sun was shining and the temps warming nicely as we set out. I hiked in my skirt and long sleeve shirts but on the first climb up to Devil's Taters I changed into my short sleeve shirt as did Michael. The hikers we passed today were more eager to chat and were definitely having a better time at this difficult task with the improved weather. We said hello to the loan hiker at Mollies Ridge shelter as we passed by. As we climbed Doe Knob we saw a white tail flash by. It was a tougher climb than I wanted today but I knew it was one of the last. We climbed up and down camel humps before finally reaching the junction of the trail leading to the summit of Shuckstack Mt and the fire tower. I knew at this junction the trail would then lead me down 4.6 mi to Fontana Dam and the completion of my journey. We parked our bags on the side of the trail and trekked up to the tower climbing it for the ultimate view of Fontana lake and Dam in the surrounding mountains. It was a pretty incredible moment for me as I had already been emotional off and on on the 10 miles thus far. After we had our fill of photography we descended the trail to have lunch where we had left our bags. as I unpacked and began eating Michael ran off to use the restroom and when he returned he brought Christine with him. She had hiked up the 4.6 mile ascent so that she could hike out with us. It was fantastic having both of their company on this final descent. They insisted I lead the steady descent to the dam and I did. A few times I caught myself with tears running down my cheeks. It's bitter sweet. I'm ready to go home and be with my husband and family but I love this trail and what it's done for me. I've definitely grown as an individual. As we reached the end of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park I saw the thru hiker box for deposit of Backcountry permits for nobo hikers and I realized I'm really near the end. The last of my hike would be on pavement. We were all pretty hot with the temps in the high 70s and the sun shining without tree cover and joked about jumping in the lake. I completely would have if the opportunity had presented but as it turns out there's no access to the lake in this area. as I walked across the dam I was torn between wanting to rush and wanting to stall but I kept a steady Pace admiring the beauty and stopping for a few photos before reaching my final destination, a sign for the Appalachian Trail with an N and an S next to the sign for the visitor center. This was it, I've connected all the blazes. 2,190.9 miles between Maine and Georgia and I hiked every single one of them. Incredible. I'm proud of myself. I used the restroom and washed my hands, twice. I was really dirty and the soap and water felt amazing. Then we checked in at the visitor center and I got a stamp on my passport and logged onto their WiFi so I could call Brian. After an emotional conversation I watched the Marco Polo video he'd sent me and I cried. I had one more white blaze to hike past. The one he has painted on a tree alongside our driveway. I can't wait to see that in person and jump into his arms. But before then I have unfinished business here. A shower, a celebratory dinner and beer with Michael and Christine and a good night's sleep. It's been incredibly wonderful to have their help and company in these last few days. Tomorrow I'll get some new shoes and some clothes to wear so I can see my niece and nephew in something other than stinky hiker clothes. I haven't seen them since they were very young and they don't remember me. I'm very excited to see them and begin a new relationship with them and their families. A new chapter in the stroll for my soul on the path of my courage to heal. The