May 15
Last night was warm for the first time. I set up in a camping spot right next to the trail and found myself taking layers off instead adding them on. I was awake and ready to start the day by 6 am, and walked out of my campsite about 40 minutes later. One short climb and it was downhill into Hot Springs. I walked into town about 9 am, dropped my pack at the Smoky Mountain Dinner, and stuffed myself with eggs, bacon, and ice tea.
The little town is busy. There are hikers waiting here for transport to Trail Days in Damascus, VA this weekend. Section hikers and other tourists wonder around. I finally secured a room and began the process of cleaning up and resupply.
I might stay here an extra day. I am still weak from my giardia experience, and wonder if an extra day of rest might make the difference. Looking back, it might have been wise to give myself another day or two at home before starting back. On the other hand, I needed to get back in motion and focus if I was to continue.
I have seen some crazy things along the trail. One of the list toppers is the privys built at the shelters. By law, these must be torn down and rebuilt to be wheelchair assessable. So... in the middle of nowhere, on a difficult trail that winds through the mountain wilderness, you will find the remains of the previous privy piled next to the all new, enlarged, wheelchair size new privy. I know that my hike is to raise awareness for special need, disabled peoples. What this says to me is that we can't rely on the "cookie-cutter" solutions of government programs to care for this part of society.
The time is now for the church to step forward and personally get involved with the special needs community. It is sad to think that our government is trying to build handicapped privys in the wilderness, when churches continue to find loopholes and make excuses about the little things that would make these same people welcome in their buildings. I am growing more passionate every day about the real needs of this unreached people group.
Last night was warm for the first time. I set up in a camping spot right next to the trail and found myself taking layers off instead adding them on. I was awake and ready to start the day by 6 am, and walked out of my campsite about 40 minutes later. One short climb and it was downhill into Hot Springs. I walked into town about 9 am, dropped my pack at the Smoky Mountain Dinner, and stuffed myself with eggs, bacon, and ice tea.
The little town is busy. There are hikers waiting here for transport to Trail Days in Damascus, VA this weekend. Section hikers and other tourists wonder around. I finally secured a room and began the process of cleaning up and resupply.
I might stay here an extra day. I am still weak from my giardia experience, and wonder if an extra day of rest might make the difference. Looking back, it might have been wise to give myself another day or two at home before starting back. On the other hand, I needed to get back in motion and focus if I was to continue.
I have seen some crazy things along the trail. One of the list toppers is the privys built at the shelters. By law, these must be torn down and rebuilt to be wheelchair assessable. So... in the middle of nowhere, on a difficult trail that winds through the mountain wilderness, you will find the remains of the previous privy piled next to the all new, enlarged, wheelchair size new privy. I know that my hike is to raise awareness for special need, disabled peoples. What this says to me is that we can't rely on the "cookie-cutter" solutions of government programs to care for this part of society.
The time is now for the church to step forward and personally get involved with the special needs community. It is sad to think that our government is trying to build handicapped privys in the wilderness, when churches continue to find loopholes and make excuses about the little things that would make these same people welcome in their buildings. I am growing more passionate every day about the real needs of this unreached people group.
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