Email Journal

04/13/04. Hi from the Appalachian Trail

Hi family and friends!

I've completed 9 days on the Appalachian Trail, 103 miles plus the 9 mile approach trail out of a total 2170 miles. That's 2 inches on the 4 foot long AT map. Making progress!

Crossed the Georgia/North Carolina border on 4/10, so those marking my progress on maps can put a sticker there. Stayed last night in a yurt at Rainbow Springs Campground near Franklin North Carolina with 10 other hikers. Great fun.

The weather started out cold and windy, then warmed over the next week with sunny skies. Rained the last couple of days.

The AT is an amazing experience! There is the beauty of the mountains, forests, and wildflowers. We've had great views of the southern Appalachians walking these high ridges, looking through the leafless trees. Drifts of white Bloodroot flowers cover the hillsides. We pass through tall stands of rhododendrons and mountain laurel, not yet in bloom. Spring is not much farther advanced than in MI, with early wildflowers but no leaves.

Then there are the sights along the way, the trail towns, cabins, campgrounds.

But most amazing are the people. I'm part of a whole migration of people are moving northward, most hoping to thru-hike to Maine. They are of all ages, personalities, and walks of life, but share of love of the outdoors and adventure.

I had the pleasure of walking for the first three days with two guys from Ann Arbor: Kerosene and Bluefish, and one from Virginia: Hikerhead. Special thanks to these three for sending me on my way. Recently I've been walking with Andante, a 62 year old ophthalmologist from Maine. We seem to have compatible hiking speeds and personalities and may stay together for some time. It's good to have a companion. Have also been camping most nights with a group of 20-somethings including Critter, Ben, Saffron, Leslie, Eric, Steve, Knicknick and others. Have been enjoying their enthusiasm and generosity.

Had an amazing experience of "trail magic" Easter morning. Walked down out of the mountains to a gap to find tarps set up and people cooking breakfast for hikers, the 13th annual Easter breakfast on the Appalachian Trail!! I was handed a menu and had my breakfast and lunch made to order, followed by a massage in a massage chair by a professional. On another occasional walked into a gap to find bags of food hanging from trees for passing hikers.

My health is good, no blisters, feeling stronger every day.

Thinking of family and friends back home,

Raven