Date: 2005-04-22
From: Amicola

To: Franklin NC
Miles today: 110.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well it's been two weeks on the trail so far. I decided you just condence everything into one entry because it has been so long since I've been able to have access to a computer. The times that I have been in a trail town end up being on a Sunday and the libraries have been closed. At the moment I am staying at the Budget Motel in Franklin and they have internet service I can use.So far it has been a wonderful trip. My only issues are getting my pack weight down. Even though it is only 30 lbs, and everyone is saying how good it is they don't realize that I am only 120 lbs myself, so it is a big load for me. Today I went into town and got a new sleeping bag and decided to ditch my tent and try out using a tarp and stringing it from trees. We'll see how it goes.Well the hardest part of the trail was the beginning at Amicola Falls. It took me 2 days to get to Springer while just about everyone passes me up. I thought I was in better shape than that. No worries though I am going to take my time. Most of what I read here, people regret sticking to a strick schedule and not enjoy the view more. So I am in no hurry. I am pround of my 6-8 mile days. There is one guy Underdog that was going 3 because he hurt his leg. The views have been great especially on top of Blood Mountain and Albert. I know Blood Mountain is called that because of it's history, but there is a Sluaghter Creek. Now all they need is like a Fatal Campsite, and "Something Died here" privy.I have been getting up pretty early these days and have enjoyed the sunrises. I got to see a sunrise and a sunset in the same day. Today the moon is full so some people are going night hiking. The only negative I see at the moment is the mice in the shelters. I tuck deep into my sleeping bag when I stay in them. But it's not to bad. The weather hasn't been too bad either I've only hiked in the rain 3 times. They say it might snow tonight in the mountains which is why I am staying in Franklin tonight.The people are great as well. Some shout outs to Vertical Eddie, Mustard See, and Swamp Doggie, Baldie. I have enjoyed getting to know them and running into them along the way. Vertical Eddie gave me my trail name "Happy Feet" because of how badly blistered my feet are, so I thought about giving it a positive name so they would get better. The trail magic that I've had is that I walked into Suches, GA. It was my first hitchiking experience (Mom would be proud). Ron and Carolynn picked me up and let me camp out in their year. Suches is a beautiful town taht surrounds Woody Lake. My tent was right next to it. And I had just camped next to a waterfal the previous night. They fed me a wonderful country dinner. Thanks guys.I also got to stay at the Blueberry Patch and it all but lives up to it's reputation. Wonderful place and great breakfast. YOu gotta go.So I got 110 miles out of the way. It will be summer soon and I can't wait so I can dump my sleeping bag. We will be entering the Smokies soon so perhaps I can get to Hot Springs ok. TrailDays is coming up soon so I hope I can get a ride to it.Until my next accessable computer have a great day.