Day three was a short day (4 mi). I stopped at Neely Gap and did a complete pack shakedown. I spent a little money, but I took my pack weight from 32lbs to 27lbs. It doesn't sound like a lot but, trust me, when I picked the pack up it felt *much* better! I also spoke with one of the guys at the outfitter who had hiked the trail. He gave me some good pointers that I'll definitely use. I sent a box of stuff back home that I didn't need, or couldn't make work effectively/efficiently, and will ask Jeff and (maybe Kim, depending on work) to bring them as I need them when he/they meet me at various locations on the trail.
I'm feeling better about the hike today. Okay, after the pack reevaluation, I decided to stay at the Blood Mountain Cabins and am eating frozen pizza and drinking beer and coke--that has definitely helped!
I met four guys while I was hiking, four good old Georgia southern boys--good old, in the sense of classic southern boys who know how to make things work and how to survive. I respect them for that, and respect them for sticking with me for a couple of days of my hike. If you guys are reading this--thanks!
I have discovered while sitting in the cabin with the TV on that I'm not thinking about writing as much as I did while sitting in the campsites. I think I'm distracted by watching political news on TV. Having been out there, I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing. I'm discovering that my mind wanders so much while I'm out there that it gets difficult to focus on anything. Sitting here with the TV on, my brain is more focused. Which is a nice relief from my brain wandering incessantly from subject to subject. I now *fully* understand why Aristotle said that God has to be a contemplating being that contemplates contemplation--if he contemplated anything else, his mind would wander. While I don't necessarily agree with that distinction about God, I do understand how that would apply to people (me :-).
Tomorrow I set back out on the trail. I'm looking forward to it, though I'm sore and will take Motrin to help. Wish me luck! And keep the prayers/good vibes coming!
Are there bugs? Of course this is my main concern. And surely a lack of political news is one of the nicer things about the hike?
ReplyDeleteScott, we appreciate everything you did for us for the few short days we were with you, you're a good man, and i hope you have a safe and successful trip.
ReplyDeleteHey Scott, This is Matthew. We really appreciate everything you did for us. From the food you gave to the conversations about your adventures. You were really good company. One day I hope to see you again. And I'll bring a big bottle of wine! Good Luck on your adventures!
ReplyDeleteI was with Matt, Ryan, And Nick. Thanks for all the help and encouragement along the trail, And ill cheer you on until you make it to Maine... Good luck Scott! and thanks for everything!
ReplyDelete(Ps. if you took the shuttle into town like you said and got that burger, I hope its the best burger until you get one in Maine... Us new Englanders make a mean burger!)
~Dom