more photos...

                                            Hot dogs from a Trail Angel                                 

                                         "Chunky Gal Trail"              

Photos... disposable camera sent home.

                                               Looking good, a little scruffy!                                        

                                                              Crazy trail friends.
                                            The tree that marks the GA/NC border.

3/22/08 Cable Gap Shelter (156 miles N of Springer, 15 miles today)

The hike only follows a more thrilling and adventurous direction every day. Today’s terrain was brutal at times but overall nondescript. It was enhanced by good companionship along the way. I have joined Fish, Furniture and Free Hugs, three restless craftsmen from New England. They are both optimistic and insightful and full of great wit. I also met Beavis and Dog who on every superficial level appear to be shiftless drifters, but truthfully warm people. I finally caught up to Steak N’ Shake, whose legend proceeds him. He is a homeless vagabond who has journeyed the country on bike and he claims he was given inspiration by God to hike the trail. He began with no more than $3 in his pocket and claims it is God’s will that has aided his hike and survival this long. I am skeptical of the God has had any role in his journey, especially if the meals he obtains are solicited from kind people, after he informs them that he is too poor to buy food. But it raises a worthy question on the role of fate within humanity. Are we fragmented, bumbling animals, stumbling through the universe, or are our actions dominated by a greater order?

               On a lighter note, it is warm enough not to wear socks!

3/21/08 Sassafras Gap Shelter (141 miles N of Spring, 18 miles today)

The moon shines bright tonight and the air is warm. I think I am greeted with good fortune on this first day of Spring. Last night I was too frigid and desolate to even scrawl in my journal. Though the day was beautiful, the bleak night practically froze my spirits.

               Yesterday I experienced unprecedented trail magic from a man named Apple who maintains a fifteen-man tent with permanent hot dog service.  I indulged on a bun. Previous to that I stayed in Franklin, which was an excellent supply of amenities. It was wonderful to rest my bones and blisters in the midst of a violent storm.

               Today I practically punished my body with excessive ambitions but I rewarded my mind. I trekked all the way from Cold Spring Shelter to NOC (12 miles) to discover the capitalist siphon of outdoor markets. I pushed past the temptations to a climb I was unprepared for, but of course was greeted with the warm hospitality of the shelter crowd. Right now I cannot elaborate but must conquer weariness. I anticipate a late breakfast feast tomorrow.

From a postcard received 3/21/08..

                                                       Snacks from Trail Angels

I am sitting here in the oasis of hospitality somewhere off the side of bleak highway 64 near Franklin, NC. Even in the most bitter throes of nature there are people to keep my spirit warm. Out here we call them ‘trail angels.’ After leaving the ridgeline I stumbled onto a group of kind elderly folks who welcomed me into a tarp with warm coffee, hot chocolate and sugary snacks.  From this point onward, my adventure is looking bright.

I will be stopping in Franklin this afternoon for crucial supplies and after that head out to conquer the Smokies. I am already adapted well to life in the wilderness and have grown a new physique, appetite and spiritual insight.  I feel detached from the realm of indoor living, but I still miss you all!

               Love, Michael/Ishmael

3/18/08 Rock Gap Shelter (102 miles N of Springer, 12 miles today)

Today was the only moderate respite I could expect from the trail after yesterday’s rigorous haul.  Chilly weather and hiking in the midst of clouds provided difficult conditions, but the terrain was overall very soothing. The first bear was sighted today by my friend, Last Minute. He seemed to enter a state of pandemonium after being confronted, but was luckily not mauled.

               The afternoon and evening were enjoyable since I had adequate time to relax and eat with a small shelter group. Sometimes crowded campsites are very stifling, but with this modest group of seven people I feel we appreciated one another’s company.

               Tonight and tomorrow violent storms are expected, but luckily I am perched on the edge of Franklin, NC where I can indulge in warm and dry conditions and find my crucial resupply.

3/17/08

After trekking 20 miles I am absolutely fatigued, but proud of my longest span of mileage thus far. It took true persistence to force my muscles and my mind over every summit, as well as 3 Clif Bars, a Snickers bar, 4 tortillas, peanut better and GORP.  I have honed my physique enough now so that that I can voraciously consume calories. But of course, a hiker is greater than the sum of his or her parts!  I am in North Carolina now, so I feel bolstered about leaving a state behind and walking closer to home.