Date: 2012-02-01
To: The Experience
Miles today: 0.0

It's February! Find myself having to be reminded constantly that the main part of this journey's plan is to "Have No Plan". This is a constant battle within my mind.There are things I wish to see on this journey, footnoted them, and hope to see them. For instance there are hostels I would love to experience, certain landmarks on the AT. One is to ride the train into NYC with Lakota and walk the streets. See where the Today show is cast, meet Al Rocor(Is he an awesome spirit or what?), visit Times Square, walk through Central Park, sleep with the homeless. I really like entertaining the idea of hiking to Harper's Ferry, WV, sign the ATC register, get our photo, then take a train to Maine so Lakota and I can hike SOBO back to Harper's Ferry. I love to ponder this idea as Lakota and I can see all the folks we met early on. But, NO PLAN, just ideas, thoughts, pondering over a RaInBoW of ideas. At times I feel guilty at the thought of leaving loved ones behind. I feel so selfish for doing this. For the first time in my life all of my loved ones are encouraging me to go and hike the AT. All of life's circumstances are opening the door as well. I am so fortunate. There are not enough words to describe how wonderful this opportunity is.Lakota and I get to be a part of the University of AT, class of 2012. Wow, I got goose bumps. For a time Lakota and myself got to experience the Red Road Bus. My grandma was Iroquois and I have always felt a closeness to "The People". This time the journey is not on the Red Road, but the New road, the RAINBOW ROAD.My earliest thoughts were of concern for Lakota. What would happen to him if he lost me? Reading these journals is what made me realize no matter what happens, the trail family will be there. They are truly angels, not just in word.I have always dreamed of hiking the Great Smoky Mountains. On this trip I must leave my loyal companion at a kennel, while I hike those 7 days. I am not worried about the $$, but the loss of his presence. I will truly be on my own. The reunion on the other side of GSMNP will be wonderful.There are streams of thoughts going on constantly as this journey approaches. I am not even near the AT yet the mental game has already begun. It is awesome as heck, and scary as heck, simultaneously! Mind boggling!The trail family does not require me, but I require the trail family. They are going to be my professors over the next few months, probably forever. I am a student ready to be taught. Got equipment needs to fill, got to get Lakota boots as well. Yesterday was my first experience with his feet being tender. Lakota had stood, and walked in areas with much undissolved salt. His feet are burned. I felt horrible for him. After applying Vitamin A & D cream to his feet last night, they are much better today. His feet are tough, but not against all things. Gotta get a tent, hiking poles, wet sacks for inside the pack, new boots, new socksIt is a jumble of things streaming through my mind constantly. It is just crazy inside the head and heart of an upcoming hiker attempting the Appalachian Trail.The people who love me have told me I must go on this hike. Is that the coolest thing ever or what? I got no more excuses to keep this dream away. I am amazed, and it is AWESOME.Thank you for reading my journal, and for those who signed my journal, THANK YOU! It means EVERYTHING! Peace OutCan't Wait for this journey!