Date: 2005-02-16
From: Miss Janet's

To: Miss Janet's - Day Three
Miles today: 0.0

Well, it is now Wednesday, 2/16 - having just spent my second night at Miss Janet's and my third night in Erwin.During the morning, in popped Bob "Red Cake" Butler and Stacy Richardson, who have been doing some section hiking around Erwin. Turns out they followed in my snow steps as they came into Erwin. They are both from Baton Rouge, Louisianna - which I have heard is not too far from my home state of Texas. I have been doing some heavy-duty thinking about my thru-hike thus far and want to share some of that with all of you now. Kind of "float" some ideas past you and see what you think.But first - I want to let everyone know that TODAY is Miss Janet's BIRTHDAY!! I hope everyone has the opportunity to either email/write/call her and wish her a happy birthday. There is a rumor floating around that a number of hikers here will be taking her over to Johnson City for dinner this evening - we shall see.Okay - back to my heavy-duty thoughts. Since starting my thru-hike on January 3rd, I have really enjoyed the physical aspects but gradually found myself becoming more aware of the psychological impact of being alone; empty shelters at night; not too many folks to talk to; missing friends; etc. I think a lot of that resulted in my spending more days/nights in trail towns than I needed to (or wanted to).Yes, when I thru-hiked SOBO in 2003, I was indeed just as alone as now. But somehow things are different now. Some of it involves a past relationship; and more may be just the way I feel this year.Regardless, it kinda "sucks" having some friends that I realize are starting their thru-hike in early March - and realizing I won't get to see them/spend time since I am "up here" and they are "back there."So, I've have been toying with the idea of hanging around Erwin for the next couple weeks (or just doing some section hikes around here) and then getting a ride back to Springer (someone has been kind enough to offer just that). And, yes, that would mean I would RESTART my thru-hike the first week of March at Springer - having just hiked approx 335 miles - and preparing to do the same again.I'd then have the chance to hike with some friends - and a wonderful opportunity to meet others that I have electronically conversed with on TJ. That is an exciting thought to me. It would definitely be an enjoyable experience.But one big regret, if I do re-start, is the folks on TJ who have been following along with my journal entries. I feel like I'd be letting them down by ceasing to comment on the places and occurences that I've "stumbled" across. Maybe I'm being presumptuous to think anyone even gives a "hoot" - maybe so. I just hate the idea of having others "follow along" with my hike and then having the journey, thus far, end.Assuming anyone cares, I'd be interested in any of your thoughts on all of my "heavy-duty" thinking. Am I crazy to think about re-starting? Should I just "suck up" my feelings and continue hiking north? Or tuck my tail between my legs (call me a "Wuss") and return home?I'll probably hang around Erwin at least a couple more days trying to figure out the best thing to do. I'll definitely get back to all of you one way or the other. Thoughts?