“My Journey Is My Destination...” continued
Sunday
Buffet day! It’s time to impress others with my "skinny boy" eating ability. We went to Café One-11. I ate a little breakfast, but filled up on seafood. I was close to being embarrassed, but got over it. After a nap, Becky and I took off back to Bristol. I cut through Bluff City to drive through the country and got pulled over for
doing 58 in a 45.
I knew I should have stayed away from driving. I was humble and he let me go. I should have told him I was just excited to go over 3 mph. We finished off the festival with the "Carolina Chocolate Drops." It was great to look over at Becky and see how excited she was.
Monday
Bill and Judy Derby of the News and Neighbor took us out for lunch. I am grateful for another meal. I got to meet his staff and catch all the accolades about my journal. It seems to be very popular in the community. We went to Cootie Browns. I saw Erick Herrin there. I was hoping to see him while in. He loves the
Appalachian Trail.
I hope for him to hike it thru. He was with two of his colleagues, all three expressed how much they enjoyed
getting the News
& Neighbor on Saturday.
I’ve met many folks, including Holly E., who have recognized me and told me how
proud and hopeful they are for me.
It seems that they read it every week. I am both amazed and grateful for the support. Holly E. is having back surgery the week
of the 16th, she will be laid up for 2 months from a wake boarding injury. Please send some positive thought her way.
I was able to see my grandpa from GA while in. I felt fortunate to do so. He is ill and I didn’t know if the fishing trip I took with him before I left would be the last time
I saw him.
I love to hear how interested he is in my trip. I love him and hope he will be at Springer Mountain.
Tuesday
My day to leave. I didn’t want to go to bed because I knew it would be time to go when I woke up. Becky had made me Lasagna, my only request to her. I wish I could stay a few more days, but today is my day to leave and as I said
in the beginning, the
“Day” always comes.
This trip home has been good for my soul, my heart, my family, and my body. Just a short break has been good for me in ways that words cannot express. I think I have made Becky, my parents, and others around me content about me
being on the trail.
They see that I am strong and take care of myself out here. I thank all of the friends and strangers who gave me words of encouragement. It
will be the rocket strapped to my back that jets me down the trail.
Although I will need a little bigger rocket because I gained 14 pounds while I
was home!
