I feel the blissful liberation I have felt after every fatiguing day. Today was certainly a test of endurance, and I feel grateful for taking the challenge I am beginning to feel the sense of a roving community more and more. Many of my early friends like Atraen, Voodoo, Avalanche, and Rabbits Foot have taken time off at Neel’s Gap. Tonight I stumbled upon an entirely new band of hikers. It is difficult to predict who will and will not finish…we are all such determined characters.
Tonight I write from the light of the stars and I am rather surprised at my ability to be content at night with no shelter. Hopefully I am becoming a profit of the wild.
Peacock and Daddy-O are greater friends and assets than I initially expected—very encouraging and open-minded. It is with them that I have formed the closest pact. Today I stumbled into my fist trail angels, an elderly couple at Hogpen Gap handing out soda and cookies. I abandoned all pretense at preferring healthy foods and devoured what was offered. In fact, I practically collapsed after running up Hogpen Mountain to reach them since I had heard of their favor down the trail.
Unfortunately I have gaping blisters on both heels and I cannot find a solution. I feel strong enough to complete this journey and I cannot let that stop me!
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