May 12
My day started with my family. Laura and Susan were both awake and up by 6:30 am to spend a few last minutes with me and to say goodbye. My drive started with my brother, Bob. He asked to take me to my dropoff point so Susan could get to work and he and I could spend some time together. My hike began at Standing Bear Hostel, were I had come off the trail nine days before.
The trail started with a five mile climb that took me on top of Snowbird Mountain. There I found a large grassy bald and panoramic views. I felt welcomed back to the AT!
I ended up covering 10 miles today. I am still very weak from my episode of giardia. I am finishing up the medication treatment, but the bug really leaves you weak and in a fog. You can bet that I will be treating all my water from now on! The trail today was kind, and I'm now curled up in my tent at Brown Gap. Tomorrow I start out with another long climb that will bring me to the top of Max Patch, another large and beautiful bald.
It was very different hiking alone today. I am out of the bubble of hikers I knew, and there are not as many on the trail around me as before. It did give me some great time to think and work things through. One of the songs I like to sing talks about God as one who "gives and takes away." The reality of that is illustrated by my father. He was a gift to me for over 60 years. I learned so much from him and enjoyed being with him. Now he is taken away, but not the gift. I still have all the good he bestowed on me. So I can truly say, "Blessed be the Name of the Lord."
In a small way, Highlander was also that kind of gift, as well as Johnny Walker. For a month they were there as I learned the ways and routines of the trail. Now they are gone, but the lessons and the memories remain. I miss them both and hope that one day we will meet up again.
It is Mothers Day. While on Snowbird Mountain my phone worked for just a few minutes, then cut off. I was able to call my mom, and my Susan. Then the signal was gone! Go figure?
One more thing. I did pick up another funny nickname today. I hike with this bright blue shirt and often wear a similar color headband. Add to that my greying beard, sunglasses, and smile... This guy came down the trail toward me yelling, "it's Papa Smurf!" I've got to get a different shirt!!!
Good night, World! It is good to be back!
My day started with my family. Laura and Susan were both awake and up by 6:30 am to spend a few last minutes with me and to say goodbye. My drive started with my brother, Bob. He asked to take me to my dropoff point so Susan could get to work and he and I could spend some time together. My hike began at Standing Bear Hostel, were I had come off the trail nine days before.
The trail started with a five mile climb that took me on top of Snowbird Mountain. There I found a large grassy bald and panoramic views. I felt welcomed back to the AT!
I ended up covering 10 miles today. I am still very weak from my episode of giardia. I am finishing up the medication treatment, but the bug really leaves you weak and in a fog. You can bet that I will be treating all my water from now on! The trail today was kind, and I'm now curled up in my tent at Brown Gap. Tomorrow I start out with another long climb that will bring me to the top of Max Patch, another large and beautiful bald.
It was very different hiking alone today. I am out of the bubble of hikers I knew, and there are not as many on the trail around me as before. It did give me some great time to think and work things through. One of the songs I like to sing talks about God as one who "gives and takes away." The reality of that is illustrated by my father. He was a gift to me for over 60 years. I learned so much from him and enjoyed being with him. Now he is taken away, but not the gift. I still have all the good he bestowed on me. So I can truly say, "Blessed be the Name of the Lord."
In a small way, Highlander was also that kind of gift, as well as Johnny Walker. For a month they were there as I learned the ways and routines of the trail. Now they are gone, but the lessons and the memories remain. I miss them both and hope that one day we will meet up again.
It is Mothers Day. While on Snowbird Mountain my phone worked for just a few minutes, then cut off. I was able to call my mom, and my Susan. Then the signal was gone! Go figure?
One more thing. I did pick up another funny nickname today. I hike with this bright blue shirt and often wear a similar color headband. Add to that my greying beard, sunglasses, and smile... This guy came down the trail toward me yelling, "it's Papa Smurf!" I've got to get a different shirt!!!
Good night, World! It is good to be back!
Papa Smurf!
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