More Photos

  look very closely... there's a deer on the trail.

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4/9/08 Mountaineer Shelter 17 miles today

In addition to the typical extravagantly simple joys of hiking, today was filled with all the other delights we can expect in the woods.  I passed Glen, the section-hiker and his voracious dog on Hump Mountain, an astounding pinnacle. I indulged in TrailMagic from RoDo, a 2007 thru-hiker in the company of Gloworm   and Viewfinder and got to saunter right through the smoldering woods of a controlled burn. In addition, I arrived at the plush, newly constructed Mountaineer Shelter to find Furniture amble in later. Tomorrow we invade Kincora!

4/8/08 Overmountain Shelter 13 miles today

Overmountain Shelter

Another day spent in solitude, another day for introspection. It is near impossible to catalogue all of the daily happenings within my mind and body, but my transformation will supersede any writings in a journal.

Today was the climb of Roan Mountain, a crucible of a hike. The summit wasn’t rewarding in views or company but it felt very satisfying to conquer my last 6000 foot mountain until the Whites.  I am staying in Overmountain Shelter, the luxurious renovated barn. My company tonight was Glen, a section-hiker for whom I created a fierce campfire. My efforts were rewarded further when Gloworm and Viewfinder arrived, eager to share the warmth.

I don’t know if it is effective for people to convert hikers through leaving Bibles in Shelters. Obviously we are on a quest of uncertainty or in a certain direction away from a stifling religion.  Bibles certainly aren’t food. 

4/7/08 Clyde Smith Shelter 15 miles today

Today has been an exciting chapter in my quest for independence. I seem to be in a void of hikers, between my old clan of friends including Free Hugs, Furniture, Rabbit’s Foot, Gloworm and Viewfinder, and an entirely new pack of hikers. I traveled virtually in solitude with the occasional meeting of slackpackers coming south at the service of Uncle Johnny’s. But the silence of the woods gives me wonderful time for introspection.

            Today I conquered Unaka Mountain, a stupefying maze of pine forests. I saw a wild turkey and a roaming pack of white-tailed deer. Combined with the blooming foliage, the forest lets me know a new season is ripe at hand. We are both eager to shed our bitter winter defenses.

            Tonight I am alone at the shelter, but I built a roaring fire to keep my company—it was my first successful creation too. Tomorrow I climb Roan Mountain, the last 6000 foot peak until the White Mountains. This weekend I will see Mom, which makes me more excited with every step.  Good night.

4/6/08 Beauty Spot Gap 10 miles today

What a transition in trail life! After one night of town rejuvenation, stories have rapidly unfolded. Furniture and I reached Uncle Johnny’s Hostel to find Fish waiting around. Surprising considering he was many miles behind. He found a hitch on the highway and plans on continuing his journey westward—leaving for San Diego. But he promises he will rejoin us. Aside from that, fellowship grows stronger. The trail community is forever growing into one, integrating into a family. 

4/4/08 Bald Mountain Shelter 19.1 miles today

Sometimes when it is easiest to throw fiery curses at the world and dwell in the pit of misery, whatever cosmic force that binds us redeems life with something glorious. Whether it is fate or God, some power still smiles on our minuscule endeavors.

            The weather today was absurd. I know I have reached a point of simplicity when the weather is the greatest influence on my day. This morning began with fiery sleet that subsided to incessant rain. Climbing Bald Mountain under the assault of rain only tempered my mind for the glorious summit. As I reached the top the clouds dissipated and the horizon reveals its infinite stretch, unfurling into misty oblivion. Hopefully tomorrow I can reach Erwin, Tennessee and secure some relaxation time. I need it.