Date: 2007-09-14
From: Home! Johnson City, TN

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 87,88,89,90,91 0 days @ homeI ran off the plane and up the stairs to the spot where I have had tearful goodbyes and overwhelming reunions. Becky recognized me. It was an amazing feeling to see my best friend, to hug her, hold her, and simply be with her. It was weird at first to see Becky. I had to touch her to make sure she was real. I spent the night being with Becky, the dogs, and the cats. The animals I could tell missed me too. Wriggly jumped up and hugged me and would not let go.   FridayI went to Ridgewood BBQ. OH Yeah! I had craved it on numerous days on the trail. I ate a pulled pork sandwich and a half.   I could have eaten more, but wanted more for later. We went down to Rhythm and Roots in Bristol. Music, Music, Music. Saw many bands. While watching the Avett Brothers I noticed a guy wearing an INN at the Long Trail T-shirt and a Doyle Hotel Hat. I went up to talk to him of course. Name was Jack.   He had worn these items hoping that I would see him and chat. He knew I was in town. He had thru hiked in 1985, things on the trail were much different then. The gear was just not light like it is today, and not as much support. He offered support for me when I hiked down this way. SaturdayI spent all day at the festival with Becky. My parents came down for the day too. It felt good to hug my Mom and Dad, to see them after 3 months after the goodbye we had. My Mom had a simple beauty about her. We walked around all day listening to music. It was a great day.SundayBuffet day! It¢s time to impress others with my skinny boy eating ability. We went to caf© 1-11. I ate little breakfast, but filled up on seafood. I was close to embarrassed, but got over it. After a nap me and Becky took off back to Bristol. I cut through Bluff City to drive through the country and got pulled over for doing 58 in a 45. I knew I should have stayed away from driving. I was humble and he let me go. I should have told him I was just excited to go over 3 mph. We finished off the festival with the Carolina Chocolate Drops. It was great to look over at Becky and see how excited she was. MondayBill Derby and his wife Judy of the News and Neighbor took us out for lunch. I am grateful for another meal. I got to meet his staff and catch all of the accolades for my journal. It seems to be pretty popular in the community. We went to another local restaurant, Cootie Browns. There I saw Eric Herrin, I was hoping to see him while in, he loves the Appalachian Trail. I hope for him to hike it thru. He was with two of his colleagues, all three expressed how much they enjoyed getting the News & Neighbor on Saturday. I¢ve met many folks , including Holly E., who have recognized me and told me how proud and hopeful they are for me. It seems that they read it every week. I am both amazed grateful for the support. Holly E. is having back surgery the week of the 16th, she will be laid up for 2 months from a wake boarding injury. Please send some positive thought her way. I was able to see my grandpa from GA while in. I felt fortunate to do so. He is ill and I didn¢t know if the fishing trip that I took with him before I left would be the last time I saw him. I love to hear how interested he is in my trip. I love him and hope he will be at Springer Mountain. TuesdayMy day to leave. I didn¢t want to go to bed, because I knew it was time to go when I woke up. Becky had made me Lasagna, my only request to her. I wish I could stay a few more days, but today is my day to leave and as I said in the beginning, the ¢Day¢ always comes. This trip home has been good for my soul, my heart, my family, and my body. Just a short break has been good for me in ways that words cannot express. I think that I have made Becky, my parents, and others around me content about me being on the trail. They see that I am strong and take care of myself out here. I thank all of the friends and strangers that gave me words of encouragement, it will be the rocket strapped to my back that jets me down the trail. Although I will need a little bigger rocket because I gained 14 pounds while I was home.