3/16/08 Plum Orchard Gap (71 miles N of Springer)

After unsurpassed cordial treatment at the Blueberry Patch, I feel reborn both in spirit and physique. Essentially yesterday morning Peacock and I raced the oncoming thunderstorm to reach the amenities of town. We were caught in about an hour of violent rain onslaught and I especially suffered because of my porous Goodwill rain jacket and temporary pair of Crocs to combat my blister problem.

               After cleaning up at the Blueberry Patch I gained resupply at Hiawassee—food, knife and replacement Crocs. I seem to have a miraculous knack for losing gear, especially small utensils which are frequently put to use. I am still astounded by the general hospitality of mountain residents, like the woman who spontaneously offered to shuttle DaddyO, Peacock and I through the hail in Hiawassee.

               After a scrumptious organic breakfast at the Blueberry Patch, I was faced with the infuriating and restless task of waiting for my old boots to arrive in the mail. In the situation it was so easy to become frustrated and impatient with the Postal Service. But I must conquer the mentality of a rush or hurry. I am in the midst of the wonderful wilderness, encapsulated in timelessness.

               The boots never arrived, but a man offered me his old shoes—more trail magic—and I hiked back into the wild to experience the comforts of community again.