May 22, 1997 (Day 64 – milepoint 635.3 – Bailey Gap Shelter)

Feeling strange. Those nine days off have had more of an effect on me than I would have anticipated. It’s definitely more mental than physical and it seems even more social than mental. I miss the folks I was with before. There is nothing negative in this feeling, I am just having a different experience right now. I am alone, between clumps of people.

It is actually a very pleasant solitude.

Aquaholic

May 22, 2009

“Language… has created the word “loneliness” to express the pain of being alone.  And it has created the word “solitude” to express the glory of being alone.” –Paul Johannes Tillich