Date: 2011-06-02
From: Piney River Campsite

To: Dutch Haus B&B 
Miles today: 3.8

What a wonderful morning to wake up. Vista was up and almost packed. The rest were still asleep. The sun was shining through the trees as if it was a spot light placed before blades of grass and I was an ant stunned my amazement of how the light looked. I ate a nice slow breakfast. Slowly packed my gear. I never ponder the idea that deciding today was the last day on the trail for this hike was wrong. I started hiking the close to 4 miles to the road crossing for the B&B and it was a slow hike. I took in everything around me. I made sure my airways were taking in the fresh air so I have enough until the next time I get on the trail. The terrain was easy. The wilderness around me left me speechless but with a racing mind. I passed a shelter which was two miles in. I had phone service and let the ones who needed to know that I was coming back for good. My friend Ricky, who is more than a friend, let's say big brother, told me "if you ever need anything or need me to come get you, just let me know." I did just that, I sent him a text with the address and name of the B&B and said "it's time for me to come home." I sent a text to Laura, my mom, and my dad letting them know what I had decided to do. That was the only place I got service for the day. I rolled my ankle about .5 miles before the shelter and it was a little swollen. It didn't put me in bad spirits or make me thing it was because I decided to quick (or something of that nature). It happens. I hiked on to the road crossing where I met Half Man, Sparkplug, Sparky, Coyote, and some others. We got a ride down the steep, rocky 1.5 mile road to where the shuttle picks us up. I knew some of them needed resupply after not stopping for the last 7 days so I gave away the 6 mountain house meals I had with me and a bunch of other trail food. They loved it! It was a beautiful day, not near as hot as it had been, and not a cloud in the sky. Right before 11am the shuttle picked us up. They had free lunch for hikers between 11am-1pm which was awesome. There was sooooo much food and it all tasted great. I then asked if it was alright for me to hang out for a few hours until my friend arrived to pick me up. She didn't hesitate to say "stay as long as you need." I called Ricky from the land line and he was getting ready to leave. He was leaving work just to come pick me up. It was a 6 hour drive to where I was at. He dropped everything to come pick me up this evening. He's a great friend to have. I sat around the B&B all afternoon playing corn hole with Coyote and listening to his think Jay Maine accent which was awesome to say the least. I certainly will be going to Maine this summer now, that is for sure. They let me take a shower in the shower house near the "bunk haus" because she told me whoever is picking me up probably wouldn't like my smell for 6 hours. As they were sitting down to eat around 6pm Ricky pulled into the driveway. I've never had so many emotions running through me at one time. I picked up my gear, and as I was walking to his car I heard everyone from the B&B yelling "bye Blue." It meant a lot to me. Ricky and I drove the long drive back to Asheville. We arrived around midnight. I can't imagine what tomorrows emotions will bring. I feel I've made the right choice, my choice, and that's what matters to me.