May 21
Today started at 6 am. I was packed and moving down the trail by 6:30. My goal was 11 miles away, but in between was some challenging rock climbing. Rocks, along with downhills, are not my strong points.
The highlight of the day was breakfast on a high overlook combined with a brief moment of phone signal. I was able to talk to Susan and connect with my Mom before the magic signal disappeared. Carnation breakfast never tasted so good!
One thing I have looked forward to is the gravestones of the Sheldon brothers. These two young men fought for the south in the civil war. While visiting with family in this area, they were ambushed and killed by the dominate union supporters in the region. Their graves are located right along the trail. I spent a quiet rest stop there today thinking about the needless pain in the world. A hike like this really shakes up your personal list of what really matters. It anchors your values, but stretches all the assumptions you have carried through the years.
Tonight the shelter is a cheerful place. My singing hikers from last night have arrived. Another young man is nursing his feet that are covered with blisters. Swamp Fox has arrived, an older hiker that I met last week and hadn't seen since. A small fire is going and people are busy preparing for bed. Meanwhile, the thunder is rolling around the mountain and the wind is beginning to kick up. It should be a great night!
Today started at 6 am. I was packed and moving down the trail by 6:30. My goal was 11 miles away, but in between was some challenging rock climbing. Rocks, along with downhills, are not my strong points.
The highlight of the day was breakfast on a high overlook combined with a brief moment of phone signal. I was able to talk to Susan and connect with my Mom before the magic signal disappeared. Carnation breakfast never tasted so good!
One thing I have looked forward to is the gravestones of the Sheldon brothers. These two young men fought for the south in the civil war. While visiting with family in this area, they were ambushed and killed by the dominate union supporters in the region. Their graves are located right along the trail. I spent a quiet rest stop there today thinking about the needless pain in the world. A hike like this really shakes up your personal list of what really matters. It anchors your values, but stretches all the assumptions you have carried through the years.
Tonight the shelter is a cheerful place. My singing hikers from last night have arrived. Another young man is nursing his feet that are covered with blisters. Swamp Fox has arrived, an older hiker that I met last week and hadn't seen since. A small fire is going and people are busy preparing for bed. Meanwhile, the thunder is rolling around the mountain and the wind is beginning to kick up. It should be a great night!
Sheldon Brothers gravesite.
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