Date: 2010-04-18
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap/Franklin
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

I'm playing catch up with my entries again. The problem with walking hard all day is that I have no energy remaining with which to write once evening comes. Each day I "walk until I wobble". Once I begin to wobble, the process of determining whether the wobble is more mental or physical begins. Some of the time I am so physically depleted by the terrain and weather conditions that all I can do is quickly look for a flat spot and pitch my tent before my remaining energy drains out and into the rocky soil. It seems to take forever to get the tent up, sleeping pad inflated, empty my backpack and organize inside the tent. Following dinner I get water, hang the bear bag and climb into the tent, lying down and letting myself soak up this completely decadent and simple luxury of becoming horizontal. All the day's aches and pains begin to ooze from my body. It is one of the greatest physical pleasures I know. The moment is further enhanced by knowing how hard I worked throughout the day during those eternally endless climbs and jagged descents through the mid day hell heat. (and its only April)Here's what I think is an interesting take on hiking with young people as a 65 year old: I no longer have the strength, speed or stamina of the young. Being unable to match them in these 3 critical areas, I must start earlier, while they still slumber, hike through times when thy are taking an extended shelter break and continue hiking into the dusk after they have stopped for the evening. When I pitch my tent and finish chores I become horizontal and fall quickly asleep. 12 hours hiking, 12 hours sleeping...thats my advantage, renewing myself each night with 9-12 hours of real sleep while they chat and visit in the language of a younger generation.My diet is also better this time around. Tuna wraps on the trail are this years new addition to my trail menu. When in town I gorge myself on fresh greens, yesterday eating 3 huge salads. I also am taking supplements, glucosamine for the joints, potassium for cramps and vitamins. In 2005 I probably ate at least a bottle of Ibuprofen by this point of my hike. This time out I've taken exactly 3 tablets and could have done without.I have excellent boots, heavy and durable enough to protect me from the foot numbing rocks and a properly fitting backpack that allows me to carry the necessary weight with much less discomfort thatn 2005. All of these are the results of having hiked in 2005. I evaluated that hike and learned from my mistakes. This time, though five years older, I am a better, stronger and healthier hiker, walking harder faster and with more single minded focus.Whether anyone agrees with or appreciates anything written here it must be abundantly clear how much I love every aspect of the Appalachian Trail, the hills, the mountains, streams, the boulders, roots and craggy rocks, trail towns, town food, fellow hikers and the slick southern charm of small town trail business men. Lets not forget trail magic, that absolutely wonderful act of generosity & love extended by strangers to a bunch of wandering hippies, gypsies, minstrels and rowdies who walk the trail in search of themselves and God, often finding one within the other. Kinda cool that God is found in 'magic', simple everyday magic and how we treat each other.So thats it. At this point I've hiked 107.7 miles and am taking a day off in Franklin, NC. By the end of the week I'll be somewhere in the Smokey Mt. National Park. Warm ups are done and I am firmly in the grip of this thru hike. I am so totally and completely grateful for the opportunity to be here.