“My Journey Is My Destination...” Day 134

Day 134 19.4 miles Campsite at 1775.2

I packed and headed back to the trail. Becky’s mom, Sharon, gave me a ride back to the trail after stopping at Hardees. I hiked this section from Hwy 321 to Dennis Cove on my first training trip back in September of 2006. It wasn ’t as hard this time. I climbed over Pond Mtn. down to Laurel Falls. The first falls I had ever seen frozen. I noticed that I have missed the sound of rushing water. It calms me. I hung around until I got cold. I hiked on to Dennis Cove to visit with trail legend, Bob Peoples, at his place named, “Kincora”. I stayed there for two hours talking to Bob and another section hiker.

Bob knew me from the News and Neighbor. I liked that. Bob has done so much for the trail in his lifetime. I hope that a shelter will be named for him soon, so that he may enjoy it. He helped to coordinate 4,000 volunteer hours last year. His hostel has served over 14,000 hikers to date. He loves the trail and the trail loves him back. I plan to volunteer on his trail crew when I get home. It was a treat for me to meet Bob.

I hiked another 11 miles and found a perfect place to tent. It’s been awhile since I slept in my tent. This is my first night in my 20 degree bag, I ’ve been using my 40 degree sleeping bag and getting a little cold at night. I love being back in TN.

Day 135 18.7miles Hump Mtn.

Today I hike for Sam Humpston, A friend who when I first told about hiking the trail seemed the most interested than anyone. He tells me he wants to hike the trail with caution in his voice. I hope that one day he will drop what is stopping him and go for his journey.

I hiked through a green tunnel all day. Not much going on. I walked through Buck Mtn. I didn ’t like it. It used to be a dangerous place for hikers. I hiked across Hwy.19E and headed up to Hump Mtn. Someone had left water there. The top of Hump mountain has been a place where I have wanted to camp since I was a kid. 360 degree views from the top of this bald mountain. When I reached the top I could see that Roan was covered in clouds. I staked my tent down more than I ever have. After dark I could hear ice pellets hitting the tent. I poked my head out. I was now in the clouds. That made me a little nervous. I poked my head out again at 2:30 am and could see the mountains just as clear as day in the moon light.

Day 136 8.7miles Home from Carver’s Gap

Today I hike for Bill Derby, the publisher of the News and Neighbor. He has given me the chance to put my journal in print and has helped me to inspire others and myself.

I hiked up to Grassy Ridge, another 360 degree view bald, one of his favorite places. Now I see why. It is peaceful and beautiful. Bill has become a good friend through this journey.

I woke before sunrise. It was cold! Ice had frozen solid to my tent. I watched the sun rise over Grandfather Mtn. I packed up and hiked fast to Grassy Ridge where my dad was waiting for me. We stayed for 3 hours, just talking and enjoying the peaceful nature. We hiked down to Carver ’s Gap. He took me home to Becky to celebrate my 4th wedding anniversary.

Days 137, 138, 139, 140 Home

I got a call yesterday from 'Princess Brat' who had gotten back on the trail a few days ago in Damascus. She was hurting and needed to get off the trail. I picked her up at the Watauga dam Rd. She spent the weekend with Becky and me. She eventually came to the conclusion that she was not happy hiking alone

and was getting nothing out of it. She was ready to go back home. We drove her to Asheville where she was picked up and just like that, she was gone again.

It was good for me to be able to help out another hiker. I had a lot to do to prepare for the next leg of this journey. So I stayed home a couple of days longer. Not to mention I just like being back at home with Becky. Who am I kidding, that ’s the real reason!

Back to the trail tomorrow.