Trail Letter 7: 4/10 and 4/11
10.0 early miles today. Nature called at about 5:45 am, before the sun woke up. On my way back to the tent, I saw a box of Oreos and a birthday card from Bigfoot and Feezel that said, “See you in Damascus! OOooooo!”
So then it was on. I immediately packed up everything in the dark, ate some energy bars on the run, and hustled down the Trail. The guys had passed me while I slept as part of their 36 mile day. But if there were even a chance of catching them, I was determined to do it. After about 2 hours of hiking, I saw the sign indicating the State Forest Boundary, but also served as the TN/VA line. Immediately after seeing the sing, I saw the green Big Agnes tent that Bigfoot sleeps in and joy exploded within me. Haha, Feezel was already up, or I may have tried to slip by and win the race to Damascus, but I waited there for them to pack up, and we hit Damascus.
I got a great room for $4 at “The Place”, a Methodist-run hostel. We took it easy the rest of the day, and I spent a couple hours sewing tie-off loops to my poncho/tarp.
Damus’s (pronounced Dommus) pack was stolen while he was at Dot’s Restaurant. Some people gave him some boots, a sleeping bag, a new pack, a sleeping pack, and some other stuff so he doesn’t have to get off the Trail.
4/11
9.4 leaving town miles today. Leaving town is always a drag, because it’s always uphill and your pack is loaded with food for the next stretch. However, I sent my Tarptent, some pants, my glove, a handkerchief, and a couple of other things back home (and gave my sleeping pad to Snake), so my pack is getting even thinner! Yippee! of course, now I’m sporting a 5′x8′ ponchotarp that serves as my shelter, pack cover, and rain jacket. Setting up camp in the rain will be *no fun*.
Ran some errands around Damascus, ate a hearty breakfast and lots of fresh fruits/veggies for lunch. I’ve really missed fresh foods on the Trail.
The guys left town before I did, so I was able to hike alone again. We’ve decided to up our mileage if possible to 20 miles a day minimum. On that note, I’m hitting the hay…
April 22, 2008 at 4:36 am
Dear Jon,
Happy zzzzzzz’s. Good hiking with your lightened load & 20 miles per day. Going to Whole Foods this week for ramp. A friend gave me a book by David Baldacci, “Wish You Well” – a departure from his suspense packed bestsellers. Takes place mainly in Appalachia (VA). Enjoy the beauty. Be well. I love you, GrDi N.i.b.b.l.e.s.
April 22, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Jon,
You mentioned in a past post that writing about your walking was probably boring to us. Here’s how I see it: 1) yes it’s interesting to see through your eyes something I would have liked to have done. 2) This journey is more than walking a trail; it’s proving your perseverance and dealing with uncomfortable environments. Without getting philosophical, it’s much as life really is. Your success in life will have much to do with how you tolerate “uncomfortable” environments and dealing with goals one step at a time. 3) And lastly. Many in your graduating class will always feel they cannot do without things that you now have defined (correctly) as luxuries. Carrying with you this threshold of understanding will give you an independence and security that others will always lack. With this understanding you will be able to tackle jobs and situations that others will be afraid to try. You’ll always know just what it takes to live and know what the extra baggage is. Knowing this will make the little comforts in life even sweeter.
Again if there is anything I can do to help you on this journey, don’t hesitate to ask.
Josh