Introduction

About Pathways

Appalachian Trail

Why Walk?

Make a Pledge

Hiking Schedule

Journal

Photos

Links

Acknowledgements

April 19, 2001

am

Yesterday was one of the longest days ever. We only hiked 14 miles, but it took forever. We woke up when the army left at 8am. Army rangers from Ft. Bragg, NC, took up the entire shelter because they weren't prepared for the cold. Why doesn't the US Army know how to camp? They have nice gear paid for by our tax dollars. There was a fresh 2" of snow when we awoke. My stove still didn't work. I had diarrhea. And it was my Mom's birthday.

I only lost it once, when I hit my head on a branch right in front of me because my hood was drawn so tightly against the wind that I couldn't see. (Oh yeah, my name is Noggin, remember?) Redneck was there with me and understood. Only hiked 6 miles before having lunch at the Flint shelter, all in the snow. The 8 miles after that, even though the weather improved, felt like an eternity. I hiked in group, with one other person, and alone. Hopefully today will be better.

pm

Today was nearly perfect. I woke up in a shelter all warm and snuggly. I hiked 9 miles before lunch to Big Bald. All morning the snow melted. By lunch at 1:30, Double-Time and I were basking in the sun sharing AuGratin Potatoes, pancakes, and chocolate pudding. We lounged there for 2 hours with Cusi, Redneck, Sneech, and Teatree. We then hiked almost all downhill on well-maintained (and slickery muddy) trails down into the pine grove of Spivey Gap to spend the night. Yolo (You Only Live Once) had a fire roaring when we arrived. There was also trail magic of Pepsi and chocolate.

Today was so great because we stopped mid-day. Walking was enjoyable because that's not all we did.

I talked with Redneck for a long time today about my family. Was this kid sent here to help me? I remember him saying that anger makes us build walls that eventually destroy us.