Introduction

About Pathways

Appalachian Trail

Why Walk?

Make a Pledge

Hiking Schedule

Journal

Photos

Links

Acknowledgements

April 5, 2001

Today was our biggest day yet. We hiked 18 miles from Locust Gap to the Fontana Hilton. It was worth it. We found an empty shelter at 12 miles, but the Hilton called to us. There are about 20 people staying here tonight. There are a lot of picnic tables covered with stoves and food, a campfire, singing and laughter. Probably 32 people could stay here. There are two platform tiers on each side of a central breezeway with bicycle hooks for hanging food. Flush toilets are only a short walk, and there are free showers at the visitor's center. Nice set-up.

I got my first blister today. I was racing up the steep hill at Sweetwater Gap to see if I could keep up with Redneck. Of course I could. But that's what I get for being competitive. I fixed it up with some Moleskin and am now looking forward to seeing Melissa soon, a college roommate.

Liddell is a hell of a story-teller. She laughs me up the hills. I'll miss her when she goes.