4/3/08 Flint Mountain Shelter 20 miles today

Both in my demeanor and the demeanor of the world around me today has been one of the most turbulent on the trail. The morning’s mellow weather quickly deteriorated into violent wind and storm clouds, corresponding with the steep terrain. I left my friends behind at the roadside Trail Magic, resisting temptation and costly delays. However, I wandered through the foggy oblivion in solitude today with a clear mind.  

On top of the ridgeline I was bombarded by turbulent wind and gusts of rain, and veiled from the worldly dense clouds of fog. But there is something even more awesome in seeing the opaque infinity than the real views themselves. What we see is pleasant, but what we cannot see touches far more than our eyes alone. 

I braved the rain for a final six miles, pushing past Jerry Cabin Shelter where POW and TLC were safely encamped. I enjoyed a peaceful evening and dinner with only the calm company of Gloworm and Viewfinder—a most tranquil end to the violent day.  But just as I was extinguishing the candles, Fish, furniture and Dog stumbled in along with their horrific odors, upsetting the 9pm peace!

4/3/08 13 miles out of Hot Springs

A day in Hot Springs was both relaxing and strenuous, certainly nothing that I could expect. Town certainly offered its respite, but I was forced to scramble to get my laundry and resupply done before fulfilling my work-for-stay contract.  For the exchange of my $28 stay, I spent four hours of manual labor removing two tree sumps, digging trenches and tilling soil.  I was rewarded with a plethora of food and a raging sunburn. The evening settled into a relaxing ambiance as my companions and I chatted with the gregarious Elmer himself and enjoyed the companionship of peanut butter cookies.

            Today the hiking journey is complicated by my sunburn and the indulgences I saturated from town. It certainly is hard walking away with the extra weight. 

4/1/08 Hot Springs, NC Elmer’s Sunnybank Inn

        "FREE HUGS" IN HOT SPRINGS

My greatest fears are over, and the fierce Smoky Mountains are far behind. I am continuously acquiring new company as well as hiking techniques. And just as with any craft, only practice brings you close to perfection.

            I feel guilty about my lack of correspondence home. As always, I am overwhelmed with pride and joy to receive letters and trinkets from everyone in the family, but ironically in the timeless wilderness I don’t have time to write everyone back separately. Upon reaching town I am always instantly bombarded with priorities. It seems like I collide with all the momentum society has gathered since the last time I left it. For instance, this morning I rushed into Hot Springs, arrived at Elmer’s Sunnybank Inn at 9am to secure the last vacancy. I scrambled to find the nearest place to do laundry, collect my packages, resupply food and visit the outfitter. I then spent four hours removing tree stumps from Elmer’s garden for my work-for-stay contract. I finally found time to write and call home after reassembling all my gear and eating, and it is now almost midnight.

            I hope everything is peaceful in every area of your lives. Always be grateful for what is around you. 

3/30/08 Deer Mountain Shelter 10 miles today

After a relaxing day we arrived at a relaxing shelter, listening to the gentle voices of or elders Piece of Work and Tender Loving Care (POW and TLC.)  Fish and Free Hugs went on to Hot Springs and Furniture and I will meet them early in the morning for adventures.

3/29/08 Walnut Mountain Shelter 13 miles today

I am glad to walk in good company, especially today on the slopes of Max Patch. We paused to relax for hours and met a true vagabond and former thru-hiker named Jeff or Phoenix. The afternoon was near perfect.

            However, there are many pretentious people on the trail. These insecure old men all treat the wilderness like on of their glorious competitions. I am glad to travel with fresh minds.

3/28/08 Groundhog Creek Shelter 17mi today

After a triumphant and hasty procession out of the Smokies, I paused with my band of friends at Standing Bear Hostel for resupply. Aside from buffering my body with massive amounts of fat and carbohydrates, I had the opportunity to meet up with old lost friends. Handyman, Longstep, TLC and POW all congregated at the hostel to tell stories of friends far and fading. This hiker community is lone large roving band of nomadic people all seeking company.

            Afterwards we were challenged with a climb harder than the entrance to the Smokies, barraged with rain and mist. It was haunting and frustrating at first to climb an endless hill shrouded in mist and bleak trees. But upon reaching the top, Furniture and I were rewarded with an amazing summit view as the mist cleared. We are pushing onwards to Hot Springs in the next few days. 

3/27/08 Crosby Knob Shelter 13 miles today

Today was filled with beautiful glimpses of both people and panoramas. We have practically escaped the Smokies, stronger from the challenge. On the ridgeline today Trainwreck, Pearl, Fish and I pondered the woes and joys of the world, attempting to simplify the human race to AT Logic.  I also discovered how to make cheese quesadillas on a windscreen over my stove.