May 4, 1997 (Day 46 – milepoint 497.3 – Hurricane Campground)

The ground was covered with snow this morning and I was freezing! A little slow getting started (I didn’t get out of my sleeping bag for a long time and didn’t warm up until I got up on my feet and started hiking.

30-degree temperature and snow continued through most of the day, which didn’t allow for too many views in what is supposed to be one of the more beautiful areas in Southern Appalachia. Saw a bunch of wild ponies though, two of which I think were expecting snacks, as they followed right on my heels for almost 100 yards down the trail. Loblolly carried a pound of carrots with him from Damascus. I regret that I lacked that foresight.

I’ve decided not to go to the Trail Days festival in two weeks. Sister Jamie’s graduation is much higher on the priority list. So now I have to figure out how to get to Indiana in mid-May.

I’ve also been thinking a lot about what I’m going to do when I finish this hike. I don’t feel like this is some kind of last hoorah, or that I’ll feel the need to settle down soon. I know what makes me happy and I know that it is important to have a certain amount of resources to be able to do the things I want to do. The challenge will be to find balance. A few ideas, things I would like to do within the next 10 or so years: Thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail (Mexico-Canada); Canoe/kayak the Yukon River (Canada/Alaska); Cross-country bike ride (Maine-Key West-San Diego-Alaska); Europe; Walk/ride around the world?

Aquaholic