May 2
Today started differently. Instead of being the first up and pushing out at sunrise, I stayed snuggled down in my bag while others packed up and moved on. I was only traveling 8 miles today, and enjoyed a slow breakfast, packed carefully, and was on the trail by 8:00 am.
I've met so many interesting people on the trail. Yesterday I met a man from the Knoxville Civitan Club. Today we had a long talk with a couple from Oregon who have come to hike in the Smokies. On the trail every day are people from all over the states and around the world.
Today was the shorter day I needed. The highlight of the day was borrowing a phone and getting up with Susan. My dad has shown some improvement, and it was a great relief to make contact once again.
On the path today was the wreckage of an airplane that went down in the mountains years ago. There were also spectacular views from the mountaintops. This is a remote part of the park and I think the most beautiful.
Let me share just one story about Blazing New Trails. As I understand it, the residents at the CCDM Riverwood Campus have been talking about my hike. They know that I am somehow doing this for them. One of the residents, my buddy Frank, got excited last week about my hiking. When the staff came into the office the next morning, they found a dollar bill taped down on the desk with a note saying this was a donation for "the old man's hike." I consider it a prize donation, a widow's mite that will go a long way.
Time to sleep. Tomorrow is to be another 13 mile plus day.
Today started differently. Instead of being the first up and pushing out at sunrise, I stayed snuggled down in my bag while others packed up and moved on. I was only traveling 8 miles today, and enjoyed a slow breakfast, packed carefully, and was on the trail by 8:00 am.
I've met so many interesting people on the trail. Yesterday I met a man from the Knoxville Civitan Club. Today we had a long talk with a couple from Oregon who have come to hike in the Smokies. On the trail every day are people from all over the states and around the world.
Today was the shorter day I needed. The highlight of the day was borrowing a phone and getting up with Susan. My dad has shown some improvement, and it was a great relief to make contact once again.
On the path today was the wreckage of an airplane that went down in the mountains years ago. There were also spectacular views from the mountaintops. This is a remote part of the park and I think the most beautiful.
Let me share just one story about Blazing New Trails. As I understand it, the residents at the CCDM Riverwood Campus have been talking about my hike. They know that I am somehow doing this for them. One of the residents, my buddy Frank, got excited last week about my hiking. When the staff came into the office the next morning, they found a dollar bill taped down on the desk with a note saying this was a donation for "the old man's hike." I consider it a prize donation, a widow's mite that will go a long way.
Time to sleep. Tomorrow is to be another 13 mile plus day.
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