The Path

With every step a crunch.  With every breath a step closer to the end.  The path ahead is laid with fallen leafs.  Sometimes the leafs are dry, sometimes wet.  Sometimes its a blanket of snow.  Out here one can encounter every season within a few days.  It can be hot or it can be cold. But nothing can deter the will power of 'Z' (my trail name). I am ready FOR ANYTHING!!!

My first setbacks started with my right knee, then it was the creation of blisters on my feet, then pain in my big toes, and then chaffing between my legs.  However, all these pains are worth being in the wilderness with great friends and the wisdom that you obtain.  I would not change a thing.  You learn a lot about your body and mind.

On the AT one follows white blazes.  Sometimes these white blazes merge with other colored blazes. For instance yellow.  White blaze....white...white and yellow...white and yellow...yellow...yellow... Follow the white blazes. Wait!  No more white blazes?  What happened?  Before I realized we are lost.  We took a wrong turn and added additional mileage.  At least we got to burn more calories. Sometimes you have to look at the positive and humor always helps.

We once again experience the love and kindness from strangers known to thru-hikers as trail angels.  As we trekked hard we were greeted with fresh fruit.  Fresh strawberries, pineapple, and bananas followed by either coffee or orange juice.  The trail angels only purpose is to bring joy to the hikers and encouragement. 

 We conquered 1 state (Georgia)...13 to go. North Carolina you are next.

Thanks to Tom and Angie V. for the delicious meals:)

You also cannot forget to drink the local brew after a long day of hiking.










What other things do you experience? You experience hitching into town, watching the sunset, playing spades to having a feast of hot dogs.  All these memories and the memories to be created will be cherished forever.

So what do thru-hikers do when they go to town? In towns our crew of 5 and soon to be more indulge ourselves in all you can eat buffets and pizza, resupply, and try to fit back into society with our stench due to not showering for days.  Our crew to the few is known as the Motley Crew! 

I can hear the Smokies calling!!!