Date: 2019-03-18
From: Erwin

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I¢d like to share a few impressions and observations as I come into Cherry Gap Shelter at the end of the day.  Trekking the AT is all quite strange to me, as when I go for a hike I more often than not, go off trail and don¢t see a soul for days or even weeks. So today really started at 2 am when I was outside Uncle Johnny¢s Hostel in my underwear, walking towards the toilet block all the while wondering why the Bladder Gods had failed to give me the 10 hr. bladder that I had diligently prayed for each night.I got a few more hours rest and then set off at dawn and as usual headed up hill following a stream and crossing it a few times.  When I got to Indian Grave Gap I met a lovely fellow called Brother Tom and his equally engaging bulldog named Moses. They have been providing trail magic for years.  Many thanks for the food, good company and a chat.  Much appreciated.Then a moment later I found myself pushing hard up hill again but this time not wanting to stop although my body was screaming for a rest but the wind-chill factor informed me that it was not a good option in the given climate!Then, within the blink of an eye, I found myself talking to Dave in a Pizza Hut.  He is proudly, part Cherokee Indian and an EMS (ambulance) volunteer.  Within no time at all we had discussed life, the universe and spirituality. Then there are also, two syndromes that I have noted worthy of mentioning. Firstly, the T-Rex syndrome.  I first encountered this on the PCT as all the young fella¢s had gotten their bodies into fine shape for the trek and were really quite concerned about maintaining and indeed, improving their good looks.  They soon discovered that their calves and thighs were getting bigger by the day whereas their arms were loosing condition and shrinking in size due to lack of use.  Maybe that's why they get Hiker Hunger; after all, Tyrannosaurus Rex was one of the biggest meat eaters!(I have ordered my trail legs from Amazon- they should arrive any day now!!)The second is ¢Hiker Brain¢.   This is where all your energy goes on hiking with a sack on your back and little energy is left for non-essential things like thinking!  If you were to ask me what mile I am at, you¢d get an instant answer and the same goes for what gear I¢m carrying and how many days food I have onboard.  Outside of that, there¢s usually a short pause as I desperately try to retrieve the information required before answering. Ask me what is happening in the world and there will be a very long pause followed by an answer like ¢Dah¢¦ I guess the world has not ended as I am still hiking¢. Pat OD left a message asking how Monarch can be writing when she is back in Tasmania?  If you ask me, I send Monarch good comprehensive notes, which she proofreads, then possibly spell checks before putting it up on the web site.  In reality what actually happens is, I send Monarch ¢ hiker brain¢ ramblings with confusing notes.  Monarch knows me and knows my hiker brain as well and is able translate and assemble some form of a blog. The major thing with the exercise, is that it polishes the connection between us while I am out here walking.  Many blessings Monarch and thank you xWhile I¢m at it, a big shout out to Meg McKay back home in Tassy, who Monarch tells me has been following the blogs. I¢m still feeling that big hug you gave me in Exeter. Young Meg, when you have difficulty sleeping, just pick up those blogs Monarch printed out for you and start reading; soon enough you¢ll be...ZZZzzzzzzzz!!! I¢ve enjoyed sharing with you all.  Here¢s to another great day!