Date: 2016-02-28
From: Rock Gap

To: USFS 69 Meadow
Miles today: 10.4

It's crisp this morning at our 8:06 start. Then the sun's warmth is felt with a "welcome back" reminder. This adventure is still at the beginning but the spring's happy gurgle makes one feel so comfortable with a gentle message of "take it all in, that's why you're here."Subman and Suds were ahead of me as I came to Wallace Gap. A new hiker, Going Postal, was there. He said he'd spent the night at Long Branch Shelter and that the shelter was packed. When I asked who was there he rattled off familiar names. I stopped, turned, and headed south on my northbound trek. If you're keeping track, this doesn't count as going the wrong way. My thinking was what is a mile or so in order to see Spirit of 76, Colin, Zack & Angela. I went back to the Rock Gap Shelter and took more photos of what happened. Those hikers really are lucky to be alive. In the photos, look at size of the limbs that fell just to the left of them. Ten feet to the right and it really could've been bad. Soon the entourage started to appear. Spirit didn't recognize my voice but I saw a big smile when she realized it was me. We hiked a few miles together to Winding Stair Gap. Trail Chef had asked me to contact Spirit about staying at his home. I left the three of them in a parking lot and began hiking solo since they are headed in to Franklin for a day or two. Tonight Trail Chef messaged to say that Spirit of 76, Zack, and Angela are at Trail Chef's home. I am sure they will all enjoy each other's company. The AT has a way of bringing people together and today was one of those chance meetings.Day hikers were out today. As Subman said - today was a perfect 10 for hiking - sunny and a comfortable cool that let you hike without getting sweaty. Siler Bald was the attraction today. It exceeded expectations. The views from the summit were awesome and available in every direction. One of the men pointed out Clingmans Dome that is 85 miles away.   Hard to believe that I'll soon be there. The two couples at the top were fascinated with my thru-hike plan and asked a number of questions. Quite different from yesterday's question at Walmart when the cashier asked me if I was okay. Guess I'm looking scruffy now since I haven't shaved since starting the hike. Different experiences. One thinking I'm possibly in need of help and the other inquisitive about this appealing adventure.After the summit, my thoughts returned to a question posed to me via this journal's sign-in page. What is tougher - the mental or the physical aspect of this hike? Right now - for me - the mental part is harder. The physical has its moments but they are just moments and I've intentionally avoided some bad weather that might result in the need to change my answer if I had hiked every day in that bad weather. The mental challenge is the fear of the unknown. Will I have enough time to get comfortable before nightfall? Where was last white blaze - did I miss it, and am I lost, or will there be some sign that assures me I am still on the trail? Tray Mountain's descent, by myself, in darkness, with whatever dislocation existed in my hand was my scariest moment to date. As each day passes, I am feeling more comfortable here in non-threatening weather. I wish I could confidently say that I am capable of being here without the assistance I've gotten from Subman and Trail Chef. I can't kid myself. I've needed the off trail breaks to adjust and reset myself for the next days out on the trail. The banter between them and their stating that the hiking ahead is similar to the hiking behind is helpful. Don't misinterpret these statements to think that I'm a bundle of nerves out here because I'm not. There's a spring in my step and I wake up every day genuinely thrilled about what is coming my way around the next corner. I can't do without my AWOL trail guide that provides incredible detailed info in the form of landmarks and upcoming or past locations for water, shelter, a privy or a ride into town. Hiker Hostel owner Josh said it best - "You're not going to die on the AT. You're going to suffer - a lot, but you're not going to die." Strange as it may seem but that's a comforting perspective as each mile passes. I also can't do without this cell phone and that's annoying to me. But I want my cell phone and access to call Beth, post these journals, hear from all of you, and be able to check the weather. I do respectfully fear the weather. Spirit of 76 told me today of her challenging ordeal when she was confronted without notice by hail and lightning en route to Tray Mountain Shelter. That terrain is hard. Those conditions could shake one's confidence and chase you off the AT. She is smiling and thrilled to be here. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Sayings like that feel real and aren't just sayings right now.Hope that helps a bit. Realize it was a lot of rambling. This is just the start. I'm a newbie finding my way. It will be interesting to see how this thinking evolves as hundreds of miles are hiked instead of just the first hundred miles.One last observation from today. Okay two. Continually thinking about everything as you hike expands awareness of everything. There is no mind numbing TV, even though I enjoy watching TV for countless hours at home. If I want a snack right now I'd have to get out of this tent, confront the cold, pull down the bear bag line,.... Am sure you get it, it's not easy. Best I can do right now is get a drink of water and I can't drink that much because I came in tonight with just a couple liters. And I am remembering tonight to keep my water close to my body. I don't want a frozen water bottle that is worthless for hours until it thaws.My shadow. I mean really. Am I losing my mind and reverting to being a child? All day long as the sun shined it felt like I was becoming Peter Pan. My "Tinkerbell" shadow was darting to my left and right all day. I've never been more aware of my shadow than today. Today I was in control. Want to go backward to see friends - do it. Want to fall behind those lifeline connections that you've been hiking with and hope you'll be able to catch up with - do it. Be grateful that no matter how far away you physically are from those you love and others you've just met or haven't met yet - but feel so connected to in this adventure - Believe it. Because out here it feels that way and it feels great.