Date: 2004-05-02
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Civil War Cannon atop Kennesaw MountainStart: Nancy's HouseFinish: Nancy's HouseMiles: Zero Day 1Weather: Rainy and ColdBreakfast: Two cinnamon rollsLunch: Pastrami sandwich and chili.Dinner: Corn ChowderAnimals: NonePeople: NoneI have come to the conclusion that as you get older it is not age that matters, but attitude. If this is the case Grandma Nancy Sweet is a few points up on me. If I refer to her as Grandma again she'll probably kick my butt....and she would, so I'll hereby refer to her as Nancy, as she prefers.I first came to know Nancy after meeting Lauren via trailjournals. Lauren holds her in the highest regard, and Ben and I had the good fortune to meet her when we stayed with Lauren back in February at the Start of Ben's trip. Nancy and Lauren shuttled Ben around and offered their support when I started my adventure.After a wonderful sleep in a cozy bed, our day's adventure began. Nancy advised she needed a new computer, as her old one had broke. So we ran out for one of those. Also, since I had never been to Atlanta she threw out the idea for a road trip. Why not? So off we went cruising down the highway.We rolled into the suburb of Kennesaw and we checked out the Kennesaw National Battlefield Park, where a tremendous battle occurred. General Sherman broke through the Confederate stronghold atop the mountain (the North rules!), cleaned house, and then pushed on towards Atlanta where he proceeded to pillage and destroy the city. Attaboy Sherman. Joking aside, it was a reverent occassion standing a top Kennesaw Mountain where thousands of men died. It is hard to imagine.After the Civil War site we hit Best Buy and picked out a computer. With a new toy in the car we decided not to risk the busy Atlanta roads and headed back home. Once there I assembled the computer for Nancy and we got it up and running. She is most pleased with the new purchase.Before I hit the trail tommorrow I'll help her with a few chores around the house. She'll be bringing my third re-supply to the Nantahalla Outdoor Center.I'm off to bed now. It was a big day today, and an ever busier one lies ahead.One Year ReflectionThe day off was great. In one week I got me first glimpse of life in the woods. In one day I got my fist glimpse of the suburban hell known as Atlanta. I would take the hardest day of my trip, times 10, for my whole hike on the A.T. before I would even consider living in Atlanta.Nancy's son, who is Lauren's dad, lives in Marietta. So we made a trip down there to pick some things up. Enroute we stopped in Kennesaw and Nancy took me to the Kennesaw Memorial Battlefield and Mueseum. It was great. I am Civil War buff, ardent history fan, and all around nerd...so I was right at home. It was great learning more about the battle and history of the area. It was somber pondering as I stood on the summit of Kennesaw Mountain; the same parcel of land that thousands died on years back. I can't even begin to imagine the horrors of such fighting.On a brighter note, we stopped into Best Buy...which was conveniently located about 5 miles from the battlefield. I helped Nancy select a new computer, as her other one had crashed. When we returned to her home I spent the night hooking it up and getting it connected to the internet. Since she lives so far out of town, it was hard to get a good connection.All the travel had worn me out plenty good. Back at the ranch I cooked up dinner for us, and we chatted about life. Nancy's wisdom was (and still is) well appreciated.