April 16

How wonderful! My first real day completely off trail. We arrived last night and crashed into our beds. This morning I slowly woke up, wandered around the corner to Miss Lois' Restaurant for bacon and eggs, started laundry, and spread my tent and sleeping bag in the sun to dry. After a great Subway sandwich, it's rest time once again. Later this afternoon we go to shop for our food and will stop in for supper at an AYCE restaurant. (All You Can Eat, magic hiker words!)

The plan for tomorrow is to be back on the trail with the early shuttle, and to get in at least ten miles. North Carolina is a series of 5,000 foot peaks, so every day contains several challenges to deal with. That also means great views and real satisfaction.

Well, rest day is done. No AYCE buffet, but a quiet meal at a family restaurant. All my supplies are stowed and ready to be packed out of here by morning's light. Time for lights out and dream away.

Good night everyone!

Phoenix

Wonderful Day, April14
It's 4:30pm, and here comes the wind and rain! The good part is that camp is set up, water has been filled and filtered, and I am sitting inside my tent, dry and surrounded by everything I need for the night. I only hope the wind holds back, because I'm not sure about the strength of this tent.

The day started at sunrise. We were on the trail by 7:15. We are beginning to find a routine. We leave early, walk for an hour or so, then stop for breakfast. We are all three enjoying Carnation Instant Breakfast, French Vanilla style. Mixed with cold water, it makes a tasty morning energy shot.

We hike the rest of the day, taking short five to ten minute breaks about every 1 1/2 hours. Today we traveled 10 miles from the top of Standing Indian Mountain to Betty Creek Gap. The day was perfect, the trail fairly easy, and the views breathtaking. To top it off, we arrived here with just enough time to set up before the rain.

I miss everyone. There has been no phone service for days. I can't wait to get to Franklin and communicate!!!


Another Milestone April 15
Last night was spent camping in the rain. I was up near 5,000 feet, so the clouds folded in around me and made everything wet, inside and outside the tent. I slept well in spite of the wet and headed out about 7:15 for a big day. We covered almost 12 miles including two big pulls up and over 5,000 feet.

Among the excitement of the day was crossing the 100 mile mark. I can't believe I've reached that point and feel this good!

Tonight I am in Franklin, NC, coming off the trail at about 110 miles. That means less than 60 more until I enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tomorrow I will once again resupply, do laundry, eat, and prepare for the miles ahead.

What's it Like? April 13
As I move close to finishing my second week some may be wondering what's it really like? Here are some of my thoughts. First of all, it really is a hike. It's what you do. Everyday. All day. When you hike up mountains you pull the weight of your body and pack up. When you go down, you use your strength to hold yourself back and not fall over rocks and roots. When the weather is clear, you have a few exciting moments at the top!

The rest of the day is spent doing things so you can hike. As soon as you wake, you start breaking camp, packing up so you can leave early to begin. When you stop at night, you set up camp, fix supper, and crawl into bed so you can start again tomorrow. When you stop in town, you are shopping, cleaning, and packing so you can start again.

So what's the motivation? First, it is the hike itself. It's the challenge of doing it, the little victories of achievement that come day by day and with every hill you climb. Then there are the people and the friendships. They come quickly and take root in the common experience of the trail. I also love the challenge of living in the simple zone of life. Everything you really need is on your back. Tomorrow means nothing compared to dealing with the challenges before you today. It's like living in a different dimension.

I love that I also walk with a different purpose. Blazing New Trails is more important to me than I can express. Today I prayed for Rhonna all day. She is one of the most incredible people I've ever met. She has given her life to the residents of Riverwood and the needs of others like them. She can't talk about them without tearing up. She pours her life into her mission with the same focus it takes to stay on the trail. That keeps me walking! Thank you, Rhonna.

Tonight I'm camped on top of Standing Indian Mountain. There is no water or shelter up here, so we are on our own. It is beautiful. I have a sore place on my heel to keep in your prayers. It can be painful. Overall I'm doing very well. I get stronger every day, and continue in good health. I do miss everyone! Goodnight.

A Milestone, April 12, 2013
This morning was cool and clear after a night of hard rain and storms. We left our hotel at 8:50 and I found a wonderful bit of trail magic. I had lost my hat two days ago and was concerned in case it rained. I could not find anything in town and was desperate to do so. Our shuttle driver, Sally, was kind enough to make a stop to let me look once more. No hats. She said not to worry, drove us to her home, ran inside, and returned with a hat for me! An angel for certain!

Today was great. We were rested and full, the weather was perfect, and the trail rolled out behind us. Even with some steep climbs, we moved slowly on until we realized the NC border was possible. We were giddy by the time we passed over the line. A milestone for us! One state finished, 13 more to go.

We are camped in our tents tonight at Bly Gap, just inside NC. The wind is blowing hard and it is to get very cold tonight. I finished cooking my supper about 6:30, and have been in my bag since, trying to stay warm. Tomorrows goal is Standing Indian Mountain, a high pull, but a reachable goal of just over eight miles. Today we traveled almost 10.

The down time helped me a lot today. So did recharging on some real food in town. I have not been enjoying any food on the trail, and was only taking in around 500 calories each day. By the time we got off trail, I was really getting worn down. I think my new selection of eats for this next week will go better. It's great to be here. Thanks to all who are part of this being possible.

A Great Day of Rest, April 11th
We were up early this morning, packed and left camp by 7:30am. We headed down the trail knowing that in just 2.5 mile we could catch a ride to town. I smelled badly, looked worse (I suppose, I hadn't seen myself for eight days!), and was hungry for some real food.

The town is full of hikers because there are serious storms called for today and tonight. It's the perfect day to time a town visit. Our first stop? A breakfast shop for an egg and bacon sandwich, chased down with unsweetened tea. GREAT!

The rest of the day has been resupply, laundry, and food. Tired, but rested, I'm headed to bed. In the morning we head back out into another long climb up. Thanks again to Civitan for another shower and laundry. A big thank you to a friend who helped us get a room for the night in a packed hotel town. An additional thank to all those who have confined to follow and encourage me. It was great to get to town and read your notes.

How do I feel after mine days on the trail? I miss my home, my family, my friends, and my comforts. I am tired and know that it only gets harder in the next section. However, I sense a real purpose for being here, and have no question about going on.

I'm on a mission.

April 9th Hard Climbs
Today was another perfect weather day. Up early after a good nights sleep, we started into what we knew was going to be a hard day. It was. We climbed two challenging mountains today, taking all I had to give.

Tonight I am at Trey Mountain Shelter. After one week on the trail I have covered 59 miles. It has been hard, fun, and rewarding. Tomorrow will be another big day, but Thursday should be a real rest day in town.

Thanks for all the prayers! Goodnight!

April 10th: The Start of Week Two
Last night on Trey Mountain was interesting. The campsites were full, a fire was started, and voices carried late into the night. I zipped in about 8pm, exhausted from the day of hiking. My phone worked for once. I was able to talk to Naomi, Rachel, and my Mom while sitting out on a lookout rock from which I could see forever. Later last night I was able to talk to Susan from inside my tent.

At around 11:30, when all the camp was still and sleeping, I stirred at a noise. It sounded like a great wind, roaring with growing intensity. The ground began to tremble. I thought it was over. All I could picture was a giant airliner crashing into the mountain. Shadows past over my tent. There was a deafening roar, and the monster past barely over the tree tops. One hiker who was outside his tent, described the monster as one of the giant military transports. It was so close that he could see people in the pilate seats!

We also met a troubadour on the trail yesterday. He is John Paul, a young man hiking the trail with his pit bull, guitar, and a large jar of peanut butter. He sings without shame and strums along. We had him song a song when we first met him, and now he greets us with a new song every time we run into him.

Today we pushed, hiking past the normal stopping point. We wanted to get close enough to the road to catch a morning ride into Houseware, GA. That meant carrying extra water and doing one more big hill. It was worth it. We are camped only 2.5 mile from the road crossing.

My "Day Off" April 7th
Today was planned as a zero day, meaning I would stay put and recover from the stress of the first days. I had food supplies to purchase and pack, and I needed to check on my boots. I have been having trouble with my feet every day. After a few miles in the morning my feet would begin to ache and my toes would hurt. Yesterday I hobbled into Neels Gap in great pain and found the my toenails were turning black. Not good.

This morning at 8:30, when the store opened, I was first in the door to have my boots checked. I have loved my boots, but my feet have grown. I had size 9 1/2 but needed size 11!

My new shoes felt so good I wanted to try them out. We decieded to hike three miles to a camp area that had water. We arrived still feeling great and just kept going. By the time we finished this "off day," we had climbed through 3 challenging mountains, seen some beautiful views, gathered water, and had found a spot on the trail that was beautiful.

I am camped on top of Wildcat Mountain overlooking miles and miles of views and sitting under millions of stars. I covered about 8 miles of trail today, finishing with the challenging climb up Wildcat. Tomorrow's plan is to be up and out around 7 am. Once again, we are going as far as we can. My goal is to arrive in Hiawassi, GA by Thursday. I will spend the day shopping, doing laundry and getting clean. It will also be the opportunity to really eat. At Neels Gap I gorged on apples and oranges. I would love a big salad! That all lies ahead.

I did meet a great couple hiking and got to tell them about Blazing New Trails. They were very excited, took pictures of us, and promised to post them on their blog page. Super!

Goodnight world. It's time to go to sleep.


My First "Big Mile" Day, April 8
I woke up to a beautiful morning! Last night stayed "warm" and the sky and air were clear. Packed quickly, grabbed a pop tart (nasty tasting thing) and started down the trail shortly after 8am. It was warm and sunny all day with just a taste of breeze when I really needed it.

We ended the day at a shelter site just over the 50 mile mark on the trail. I'm in my tent once again, as the shelter is full. I must say that I smell really bad right now, and tomorrow will certainly be worse!

I started today with several small goals. The fact that we went further yesterday messed up goals for distances today. The trail ran well, the weather was ideal, and the new shoes felt good, so we ended hiking about 12.5 miles and reached the shelter. I'm in my bag at 7:45, exhausted and hurting. Tomorrow will only be a six to seven mile day, but that means two major climbs, including Trey Mountain. With the elevation changes, it should be a full day's hike. Today our hiking time for 12.5 miles was over eight hours.

One pleasant surprise tonight was meeting up with some of our starting group. It's good to know they are still on the trail. There are a lots of blisters on hikers' feet in the camp. One petite German girl is going to break from the trail tomorrow and give her feet a few extra days to heal. Another young man hurt his knee today and will try to hike out tomorrow for help. It could be the end of his hike.

I'm trying to take care. Today was more than I should have done, but it felt great to reach 50 miles. I'm still slow and steady, but I'm in the game. I also still miss everybody.

Goodnight, all. See you down the trail.

From April 6th

Today started perfectly. We rolled out about 6:30 and left camp about an hour later. The goal today was Neels Gap, but the trail to get there led over several mountains. The last and largest was Blood Mountain, the tallest peak I will face in Georgia.

In many ways, today was a turning point. For the first time, I headed up the climbs without stopping. My partner is still Highlander, and early this morning he said, "Let's just go to the top". I couldn't have done that yesterday. The trail led over five peaks before we started up Blood Mountain. We had such a good time with them that the big one didn't seem much different. We went to the top with very few stops and enjoyed clear, breathtaking views. It was an emotional time after all the pictures and videos I had seen. I was there!

The hike down from Blood was rocky and challenging. I am not strong with balance, and for over two miles you descend over rocky formations and large rock "steps". I can't imagine it being done in icy conditions or in heavy rain.

Our evening has been spent at Mountain Harbor Inn. I am staying in the hostel here with a full house of hikers. The church failed to bring us supper, so we finally broke open Ritz Crackers and cold spam. Add chocolate chip cookies and cream cheese with jelly and you have our feast for the night. Pirate, the host offered homemade moonshine for those who wanted a bit. I found a soda machine outside and had a real Coke. For once, I wanted the calories!

And so, after 4 days of trail, I have covered almost 32 miles of mountain. I can feel myself beginning to adjust and grow stronger. I can feel some pounds missing. Most of all, I can feel some confidence and hope building.

Tomorrow I plan to go easy and hang around here for the morning. I need to have my boots checked because my feet seem to have grown. My toes are taking a beating, which really limits my miles and is causing some blister and toenail damage.

After lunch, the plan is to move on, but only for three miles or so. That takes me to a campsite with water and puts one more mountain behind me.

Thanks for everyone's prayers. I miss my wife, family, and friends, but I am traveling with a cause and feel that drive within me. By the way, this was an "I can do all things through Christ" day.

I also want to thank Civitan Club for my first shower and laundry!

Day One 4/3/13
I am at the end of my first day of hiking. I am at the Hawk Mountain Shelter, about 8.5 miles into the trail. The shelter is full, with my space being the last to fill. The shelter is surrounded with tents, with at least 30 other hikers.

I hiked most of the day with Highlander, real name of George. He comes from Scotland, lives in Australia, and has made the day go by quickly. We are now sitting around a picnic table talking and swapping stories. It's a warm and comfortable group on a cold pre-rain evening.

This morning was tough. It was a long night at the motel yesterday, with my mind racing. Saying goodbye was really hard, much harder than I expected, and I knew it would be hard. The best thing that happened today was having enough signal to call home tonight. It was so good to hear Susan's voice, and a kind of closure to really saying goodbye.

One exciting event today was as I walked, I came upon a group of about 50 US Army Rangers. This is an area used in war exercises and training for Ranger units. These young men looked tired and overworked. They were in full packs and gea,r and carrying plenty of ammo and weapons. I was told that if asked later by any other units to say that I had been questioned and let pass by the rear guard. Cool.


Down to the Nitty Gritty
The rain started in the night. To be honest, it was snow that changed to rain early in the day. That's when things really got exciting. As the day went by we walked in hard rain, biting sleet, and high winds. The path was a bed of mud. Water ran in streams down the trail. It was cold, but not depressing. I was excited to be going north, no matter what.

Yesterday the miles were deceiving. It was almost a dreamlike day, with gentle ups and downs, mixed in with lovely stream crossings. Now that we were baited and hooked, the trail became very real. The climbs were hard and the path down hill challenging. Today was almost nine miles of work. The rain and cold didn't make it any easier.

By the time I reached my goal, the shelter was full and the rain was pouring down. My pack quickly became soaked when I removed the rain cover. By the time I had my tent up, everything was wet and I was freezing. I got everything under cover, crawled in my tent, and tried to get warm in my sleeping bag. I laid there shivering for almost two hours. During that time, the rain slowed to a drizzle.

I did get up, cooked some hot soup in the shelter and enjoyed some good conversation. I am just starting to find opportunities to share about my mission. I also spent the day hiking with Highlander again and enjoyed his company and stories.

It's almost 8:30. I am back in my bag trying to get warm. Conversation is dying out at the shelter and it will soon be "hiker's midnight". I miss everyone and wish I could say good night to Susan. By the way, my verse for the day has been Psalm 121. Thanks, Larry! It been foundational.

Tomorrow is looking clear. I'm headed for a camp site without a shelter about 10 miles ahead. Good night and God bless.


A Whole New Day
This morning started with rain and cold. Everything was thrown together wet, and my pack was heavy with rain water. As the morning moved on, the sky cleared, the wind died, and the sun came pouring down. What a difference a little sun makes.

Todays hiking was hard, but not like yesterday. I think all of the days will include challenging elevations. One day they will be nothing to me.

I am meeting and hiking with lots of great people. There is Johnny Walker, a retired plastic surgeon in his 70's. Patrick, a young German who is camped next to me tonight. Lilly is from Chicago, where she quit her job to walk the trail. There are singles, husbands and wives, wives without their husbands, and husbands hiking without their wives. Mike is on the trail with his two dogs. It's a great cross section of life.

Tonight I'm sleeping in the tent at a small campsite near a stream. The water sounds lovely from inside my tent. Our bear bags are hung, the whole place is quiet. Good night. It's hiker midnight.