Introduction

About Pathways

Appalachian Trail

Why Walk?

Make a Pledge

Hiking Schedule

Journal

Photos

Links

Acknowledgements

May 6, 2001

Yesterday was snake day. I saw a fat rattler in the middle of a sunny trail. I got within 10' before I saw it, or rather heard it. It was rattling like a Jamaican maraca—no, like a sorority girl in heat. I screamed like the girl I am and backed directly into Redneck hiking behind me. It never coiled to strike and slithered its full belly off the trail shortly after I got a picture. I stayed at Lick Creek after an 18-mile day. Lots o' folks there. Soaked my feet in the river.

Today we passed through God's Thumbprint, a glorious valley where Vanderbilt almost put his mansion. (Instead, he put it in Asheville so I could visit it during college.) So much green everywhere. Green farmlands. Green valleys rising and sloping to meet green ridges. The trail over-looked it all afternoon following a rocky ridge. Hiking with strange people sometimes, but good people: Reid, Phantom, Deuce and 1/2, Illinois Coy, Daydreamer, Boot Stew, Terra-Dog, Willie Seay, Redneck, and Groundhog.

Water is getting more scarce. I'm staring to carry water, which is heavy: 7 pounds per gallon. Tomorrow there is no water for 16 miles. There were a lot of beautiful views today and a scarlet tanager.

Today I remembered earlier in this trip when I felt the air breathe before it started to rain. Tonight there is a good fire and good people. I have big plans for lightening my lead when I return to Asheville.