Back In Franklin, Found my Mojo
I've got my momentum back. 11.3 miles yesterday and 16 or 17 miles today, into winding stair gap, where I hitched a ride into Franklin. I've ordered a Pizza and after devouring it I'm going to walk over and get groceries, then head back out tomorrow morning. I should be nearing the Smokies next weekend. Also, today I passed the 100 mile marker!! I climbed Albert Mountain, my second 5000 footer (first was Standing Indian mountain yesterday) and it was a hell of a climb but worth it for a hell of a view. I spent the night at Carter Gap last night with 9 "weekenders" from northern Georgia. They'd built a fire and provided entertainment throughout the night. This morning I passed 6 day hikers (3 couples). I guess it gets crowded out here on the weekends when the weather is nice.
I bought a little FM radio, and while I feel guilty about the extra gadget, I love the thing already. Today I listned to a lot of classical music (Bach and co.) and then som classic music (The Beatles, etc.)
Also, I've been hiking at a speed of 3-3.5 mph today, which is BLAZING.
Mr. Happy is happy, after a day of sunny views and good walking with some (though not much) company. In fact, I'd say today was my best day on the trail so far. I'm actually excited to get back out there tomorrow (though my legs do not share my enthusiasm. Ibuprofen may be in order).
Happy Trails,
Mr. Happy
posted by Josh @ 4:35 PM
3 Comments:
Glad to hear you're "hitting your stride" on the trail, Josh. Take it easy tonight, rest up, and don't push yourself too hard! You don't want this old lady showing you up when you reach NJ, do you??
congrats on a good day...
I hope u can get a better feel for your capabilities and for what makes u happy..
I have recently read a page on Andrew Skurka's site: http://www.andrewskurka.com/AT02/faq.php
Andrew was asked this question, see his answer.
Q. Did you have a “fun” summer?
A. No, it was definitely not. I associate “fun” with leisure – and the trail is about as far from leisure as one can possibly get. Any person who starts the trail with the idea that it will be a “fun” experience is completely disillusioned; their romantic notions of the trail will be crushed in the first quarter of the trail – and, for many, it happens earlier than that, as evidenced by the number of hikers waiting for the bus at Neil’s Gap, just 30 miles north of Springer. Remember that the trail, in its most reduced form, is a hike of 2168.8 miles in length – hitting up trail-town bars, taking days off, hostelling it, and spending hours at scenic vistas are not rewarded with “bonus miles.” The only way to finish is by walking; any non-walking activities are distractions.
There is not a second part to this answer. No, it was not fun. However, this summer was extremely rewarding and a great experience – something that I will remember, talk about, and be affected by for the rest of my life. It is yet another example of how the most rewarding activities are those towards which we put the most energy.
--- end of Andrew's answer----
Btw, i have heard this question asked of many hikers but i will have to say that Andrew's answer captures allot of my personal feelings.
Have the time of your life but remember it may not always be fun..it is a mental as well as physical challenge.
Do things to reward yourself, e.g., --- doing big miles to get close to a "town/food stop" so u can take a nero.
--- remember to get emails and "off trail" names of hikers u meet, might not see them again
I personal thought....
The reason i long distance hike:
"The people, the people, the people on and off the trail !!"
ENJOY!!!!
Btw, Andrew's answer (above) was from the point of view of a thru-hiker.
--Dave
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