April 2, 1997 (Day 14 – milepoint 142.5 – Cheoah Bald)

I’ve heard stories about psychological, emotional, and/or physical breakthroughs that significantly change people’s lives out here. One girl said she cried uncontrollably every day for the first three weeks of her hike. She said that being forced to slow down so much, coupled with the simplicity of trail life, enabled her to release a lot of built-up emotional stress. Another fella went from over 300 lbs at the start of his hike and cut his weight in half by the time he finished, ending at 150 lbs. It completely changed his life and he has been able to keep the weight off for years. That’s a big deal.

After two weeks, I feel normal. I began this trip with no emotional, physical, or financial baggage. I feel very good about being here. It seems like a logical conclusion to just continue to enjoy myself all the way to Maine and remain open to what comes up along the way.

Uphill all the way out of the Nantahala river valley, a little more than 8 miles. I left after 4:00 PM and walked the last hour and a half after dark. There was a plaque on the trail today that read: On December 7, 1968, 783 feet southwest from this point, Wade A Sutton, North Carolina Forest Ranger, gave his life suppressing a forest fire that you might fully enjoy your hike along this trail. Thanks, Wade.

Made a quick stop at Sassafras Gap Shelter where Bulldog, Smiley, and Lopey Lobo warned me about the 6-8 Russian wild boars they saw an hour before. Huh? Wild boars? Great!

Smooth sailing anyway and I’m safe and sound here atop Cheoah Bald. Looking forward to the view in the morning.

-Aquaholic

April 2, 2009

Hey Aquaholic,

Forgive me. I’m tired. Chat tomorrow.

O’