Date: 2013-03-30
From: big bald

To: erwin, tn
Miles today: 16.0

Hello. Today was not a day to look forward to. It was what I thought to be my last day on the trail. I was not happy. My last 16 miles of my AT adventure. The day of hiking was nice. The snow cleared half way through the day. My whole body hurt. I felt it was because of how sad I was knowing I was getting off the trail. We got to erwin around 4 and caught the shuttle into town. Thats when I had to tell people of my demise. I told my mom who could not accept it. She was not about to let me get off and end my trip. It was over for me so I tried to explain. Then I called my two best friends casaidy and lily. The first thing they said was. "We shall have a bake sale and make you money" that put a big smile on my face. They didnt want me to get off the trail. After i told them i would see em in a few days. I was excited to see them but I didnt plan to for 4 more months. It didnt seem right. Then I told my sister maddie. She didnt accept it but knew she couldnt change my mind. She tried to tell me to see how going a week with no money was like. I couldnt do it because I knew I couldnt make it the whole way, so I would have beenmore depressed. She said to talk to my dad and see what he thought. Which was who I called next. After talking to him and everyone else my mind started opening up. As I kept saying it was over the more unreal it seemed. My hike is over? After 5 weeks? What? Everyone I talked to tried encouraging me to see what options I had. My dad and I talked for a while and he changed my mind explaining that yes I am out of money but I am fortunate to have to support of my family and friends to keep going. He told me he had no problem lending me the monepply I needed to get the rest of the way. We worked out that he would put money in my account as needed. When I am finished we will figure out a plan for me to pay him back. We also talked about what was to be learned. Budgeting my money. now that the weather will be getting warmer soon we wont need to be in towns or hostels as much. Id prefer to be in my hammock. Its much more comfy and there is not ten different snores going on all night. I wont need to spend as much anyway. I was going to be able to keep going! My spirits were lifted! Dovetail is back! I called my brother who was very upset about the situation and got my plan more difined. I didnt come out here to live in luxury the whole way down the trail. I came out here to struggle and put myself in hardship so I could solve problems I encounter along the way. Thats what I do. Im a problem solver. Thats what makes life interesting and fun to me. So, with that, Iam going to try to spend as little money as possible and explore the cheapest options. I can work for stays, work for food, there are trail angels all over, and I can sleep in my hammock almost anywhere. Id say this trip just got ten times better. Ill have a much more interesting experience and way better stories to tell. Oh yes. Ima excited! I learned the most valuable lesson today. How much love and support from friends and family I have to keep me going and make sure I finish. I dont need much to be happy and being able to get through this with a little more struggle will only make me happier and for satisfied with myself. Today turned out to be the best day of the trip. Thank you so much to everyone supporting and encouraging us. I wouldnt be here without you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and will remeber this for the rest of my life. Have an absolutely wonder evening eveyone!DovetailIive simply, so others may simply live