Funny how things can change yet again. It was a cold
night, with wind whipping through the trees and a clear, unprotecting
sky. I had on all my clothes, but my legs and face were still cold. It’s
not much more fun being cold than it is being wet.
Was not a happy camper when Dave woke me at 6. Why did we not take advantage of the warm weather when we had it (and do more miles, more easily)? Started crying in the tent, being cold and feeling sorry for myself; wondering what the heck I’m doing out here; worrying that I won’t be able to handle the upcoming physical and mental challenges; thinking about calling it quits.
As I already knew, Dave said that there will be many more cold days, hot days, rainy days, and rocky days ahead. But he also said some of the most exhilarating climbs/views remain to be seen. This I know, but sometimes lose sight of.
It just really freaked me out hitting such cold weather in July. We still have all of August and part of September to get through. Can I really do this for 50 more days? I think I know the answer. The question is, do I want to? I know I want to be able to say I hiked the whole AT, not part of it. And I don’t want this trip to become a sore subject if Dave finishes and I don’t. I guess I’ll keep going, knowing that I can head home at any point in time. I’ll just need to keep letting Dave know how I’m feeling and rely on him for additional support.
Had to hike 12+ miles to get to the road. I wore a long-sleeved shirt, jacket, hat, and long johns for an hour or so in the a.m. -- it was still that chilly. Would have worn gloves if I had them. Good hiking weather, though. Nice and clear and dry. More pretty terrain, more mud. Were making decent time til I tripped over a root and did a face plant. Whacked my knee pretty good.
Was not a happy camper when Dave woke me at 6. Why did we not take advantage of the warm weather when we had it (and do more miles, more easily)? Started crying in the tent, being cold and feeling sorry for myself; wondering what the heck I’m doing out here; worrying that I won’t be able to handle the upcoming physical and mental challenges; thinking about calling it quits.
As I already knew, Dave said that there will be many more cold days, hot days, rainy days, and rocky days ahead. But he also said some of the most exhilarating climbs/views remain to be seen. This I know, but sometimes lose sight of.
It just really freaked me out hitting such cold weather in July. We still have all of August and part of September to get through. Can I really do this for 50 more days? I think I know the answer. The question is, do I want to? I know I want to be able to say I hiked the whole AT, not part of it. And I don’t want this trip to become a sore subject if Dave finishes and I don’t. I guess I’ll keep going, knowing that I can head home at any point in time. I’ll just need to keep letting Dave know how I’m feeling and rely on him for additional support.
Had to hike 12+ miles to get to the road. I wore a long-sleeved shirt, jacket, hat, and long johns for an hour or so in the a.m. -- it was still that chilly. Would have worn gloves if I had them. Good hiking weather, though. Nice and clear and dry. More pretty terrain, more mud. Were making decent time til I tripped over a root and did a face plant. Whacked my knee pretty good.
Really glad to be having some time off the trail with the Guittarrs. Good timing. Waited by the road for a couple of hours -- guess it was a tough place to find. Good to see Chuck, Mary Ellen, Craig, and Kara. They took us to a state campground in nearby Townshend. Nice place. I miss car camping!
 |
| Blur, Longshanks, Chuck, Kara, Craig, and Mary Ellen |
Mary
Ellen had a towel, soap, shampoo, and lotion for me -- I used three
quarters and took a 15-minute shower. Borrowed a pair of socks, pants,
and a cozy cotton sweatshirt. It’s cool here, but nothing like the
mountaintop. Had steak tips, salad, and potato salad for dinner, with
coffee cake for dessert.
Funny to watch the masses camping -- blowing up air mattresses with cigarette lighters, unloading armfuls of fluffy pillows, carrying lanterns and industrial flashlights, setting their car alarms, rushing out to buy more bags of ice to throw in their coolers. Haven’t decided whether to stay a second night. Somehow I think we will.
Funny to watch the masses camping -- blowing up air mattresses with cigarette lighters, unloading armfuls of fluffy pillows, carrying lanterns and industrial flashlights, setting their car alarms, rushing out to buy more bags of ice to throw in their coolers. Haven’t decided whether to stay a second night. Somehow I think we will.
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