Introduction

About Pathways

Appalachian Trail

Why Walk?

Make a Pledge

Hiking Schedule

Journal

Photos

Links

Acknowledgements

April 17, 2001

I'm sleeping in a two-person tent with a broken pole with both Double-Time and Redneck, if that gives you any idea how cold it is. We awoke to snow on our tents this morning. Before we were packed up, the peace had been shattered by a micro-burst of white-out conditions. We left during that hurling tempest. After about an hour, the forest was again calm with breaking gray skies and snow-caked rhododendron and pines. It turned into a beautiful day for awhile, though brisk would be an understatement. The wind was Jack Frost himself and I retreated behind my bandana.

A lot of people out here have already sent home most of their warm things. I've gotten rid of a sweater and vest, and changed for a lighter, non-Goretex rain jacket. Anyone else out here wearing all of my clothes would stay warm, but I'm still chilly. I knew it would snow again, and I'm okay with being cold for a little while. The flowers are in bloom. The trees are budding out and the birds are everywhere. This can't last long.

The strangest thing today was looking to the West and seeing a lush valley bathed in sunlight. As we trudged along the snowy spine of the ridge, less than 5 miles away past another ridge were green fields spanning everything in sight.

My stove is broken. I've taken everything apart, but I think the problem is in the fuel line—which can't be taken apart. Double-Time is graciously letting me use her stove, even thought I never take it apart when I'm done.