Date: 2007-02-04
To: Interesting Day
Miles today: 0.0

Saturday, January 27, I hiked to McAfee¢s Knob AGAIN (I will be glad when the training hikes are done) and had some interesting happenings. Even though I hike the same trail a lot different events occur each time.One thing that was different was the trail was covered in snow and ice. At times the trail was an ice skating rink and I was the new skater on skates for the first time. I never fell as I was taking great care with each foot placement, but the time it took me to hike increased by leaps and bounds (well not leaps and bounds more like baby steps). I was glad I got the chance to be on a snow and ice covered trail as it was my first time and I am sure there will be much more of it on the Trail in March.Another part of Saturday that varied from my usual hike was the amount of people. It seemed as if hoards of hikers were out on this January day. It did turn out to be a beautiful day, but I rarely hike this particular trail on a Saturday and now I know why. But because of that, I met some great folks out there. First was Melody. She runs a woman¢s outdoor adventure expeditions in this area. I have seen her van and actually seen her many times on the trail, but never had had a conversation with her. She had Thrued in 98 (I think) and it was nice to talk to her. Then I met a couple, as I was coming down, and started to talk to them. They seemed so knowledgeable about everything and also had Thru hiked. Then, I found out the women was Cynthia Taylor-Miller (Mrs. Gorp) the editor of the Thru-Hikers¢ Companion of 07. I was thrilled and felt like I had met a celebrity, who knew the whole trail by heart! I have also started to read her Trail Journal of her Thur-hike adventure. I had ordered three Companions: one for my dad (my transcriber), one for my friend who is going to do my mail drops, and one for me. I told her I just had cut mine all to pieces to put in mail drop boxes. If you have not seen the 2007 version, you should get one as it has greatly improved from the last one I had, which was 2003. It gives so much more information in the shelter to shelter part. The other person was Stumpknocker. I had been reading his journals as well and he had finished his 2006 hike at the beginning of the trail to McAfee¢s on 12/7. I had taken a picture of it but never actually thought I would meet him. So thanks to both of these people for making me feel good about my adventure and making my day! I finally walked on and then hear, ¢Oh that¢s right you are going to leave on a Thru Hike soon.¢ I look up and saw three friends walking up the trail. Again I stop to talk and commiserate with them for a while. My hike was extended today due to weather, but mostly to socializing with wonderful people and I began to feel a real part of the Trail, as it is not only the hiking, but the sense of community as well, that the Trail and this sport give back to you. It is 30 days from today and I have decided to enjoy each moment that leads up to this great adventure: Each time I see family and friends, have a hot shower, a good night sleep in a comfortable bed, or turn on a light, or the stove, or the microwave, etc.Good luck to those already out there, I am enjoying your journals and good planning to all the rest of the ¢Class of 07.¢