What an amazing adventure so far. I started in a mist that turned into a really big thunderstorm. That first morning I started walking 2 hours before the sun cam up so I walked with my head lamp. A very good day. I have learned a lot about how to make things do and how to keep warm in a sleeping bag that is not warm enough. I’m so glad I got a piece of fleece and the last cold night it dawned on me that I could heat up a bottle of water and toss it into the bottom of my sleeping bag and it will keep my feet warm for about 5 hours. Yesterday as I was making my way to Dicks Gap (11 miles car ride to Hiawassee, GA) the ground was frozen, snow covered, and very slipery above 2000 feet. Under 2000 feet it turned into a black mud pudding. I also found out why turtles don’t like to be flipped onto their backs. It’s damn dificult to turn over and stand up again. now for a list of booboos. 2 bad blisters on my left little toe that has gone to a bloody mess… so some work is needed to put that back right. also a poped blister on my hand where the trecking pole strap rubs on my thumb. Lots of hot spots on my feet so it’s good to stop and air them out a little. No snakes so far… to damn cold for them to come out of their holes. Walked in blowing snow yesterday morning (3 days of snow flurries) wondering where I was and if I could make it to the main road. and all of a sudden the sun came out in a grove of rodadendrons.(sp). It was beautiful all dappled sunlight and about a hundred Junkos (little gray birds with round white bellies) it was really a beautiful sight. I have to say that this is surely the most difficult thing physically I’ve ever done. It also leaves you time to think about things in detail. I’ve solved a few problems with a story I’ve been writing nothing on paper though. If nothing else there is lots of time to think. Thank you all for your support and good wishes … it really does and has helped. I will be in Franklin hopefully by Sunday, but time has no meaning and it’s hard to know what day it is after a few days in the woods. I know this is where I want to be and need to be, so I shall continue onward and upward with a whistle to the wind and a skip in my step. “If you believe you can your half way there” T. Roosevelt
How many people do you think are tough enough to walk in such weather? That is, how many do you see on the trail? I’m walking next year (to celebrat4e my 70th) . I’m trying to learn and you are helping me a lot, therefore I will follow you and pray with you as you walk. I love your attitude, keep trucking. What a wonderful way to meet people from anywhere, and talk personally like this! take care of your wheels, treehouseman a new friend
Hello Byron! Yes…you ARE experiencing the Appalachian Trail in all it’s GLORY! I WISH YOU A WONDERFUL JOURNEY. Ahhhh….the sights to be seen and the adversity to be experienced! All part of the wonders of the A.T.!!!!! Keep putting one step in front of the other! The best of luck to you! Look forward to your next entry!
Sue (whiteglove from ’89}
Hello Gray Loon. Even with bad weather and blisters, you already seem to be conquering The Trail. Thank you for communicating and for taking it all in stride. That takes strength! Interesting about the sneakers. Are they really “sneakers” or just low-cut hiking boots? Tally on! Happy hiking! (I’m jealous….). Alisoun
You go, buddy! Take good care of yourself. It’s not the destination, it’s the journey! We’re all super proud of you!
Glad your ok–and being careful-you have a long trail ahead of you, so it’s good that you take your time. Where are your hiking boots?? Your picture shows sneakers???!! Hopefully you are taking pictures along the way. Take Care — Francene
Hi there, Those are my hiking shoes. Very few are actually using real boots. I am taking a few but not a lot. Just using the camera on my phone.