[A year ago April 15th, I set out to hike the length of the Appalachian Trail, northbound from Georgia to Maine, with my 7 year old dog, Gracie. Almost nightly, I wrote journal entries about what I was experiencing. The demands of trail life with a dog precluded me from posting these entries during the hike. I've chosen to post excerpts to mark the anniversary of this life-altering experience. Enjoy the journey, I certainly did.]
04 May 2009 - Day 20, Mile 200.2 - Derrick Knob Shelter -> Mt. Collins Shelter
Less rain today. Clingman's Dome no view due to clouds. Shelter not as crowded (yet) tonight. Some sprinkles off & on since I got here, but mostly clear. Pittsburgh tried for a hitch at the road along the trail near Clingman's Dome. I hope he made it into Gatlinburg. Hurried through my dinner and 200 mile celebratory Snickers because of the rain.
Cool sights on the trail today - primeval, primordial, ancient forest. A mattress of peat off the trail. Still have only 1 pr. of dry socks, but things are looking up, weather wise. I don't think there will be a zero day in the Smokies with the weather like it's been. [need to keep moving to stay warm]. There will be an opportunity for that later. It's been good hiking with Pitt, but I'm ready to test my mettle. If I hoof it, I can be out of the Smokies in 2 days or less. Two nights seems more reasonable [than 3]. I have 2 dinners left, tough I could stretch it to three by having a savory breakfast for supper. Pretty dull, though.
Left out of Silers Bald shelter and was passed by a couple of southbound hikers. Just after, I saw a large white bird ahead on the trail. I followed it, then got out my camera for some snaps. [It looked like a seagull, but couldn't have been.] I got too close at one point and it seemed to try to fly away but ended up in the bushes off the west side of the trail. Wonder what kind of bird it was. It was really cool to see it walk along the trail ahead of me, as if it were leading me.
Stopped a few times today waiting for Pitt & just listened to the quiet of the forest. Hiked truly alone for the first time this evening after Pitt left the trail to hitch into Gatlinburg and I was never really frightened or worried. I was more careful with my footing, though.
200 miles, 2 faceplants (1 today) and 1 banana flip. I hope Gracie is healthy, warm, and dry. Interesting how in a few steps, the landscape or forest changes. There was a noticeable change upon entering North Carolina [from Georgia] and also getting to a certain [elevation] nearing Clingmans Dome in the Smokies. The variety of terrain is fascinating.
Things I miss on the trail - gluten free pancakes, easy contact with friends.
Who knows what tomorrow brings - my first day solo hiking.
Retrospective: Can't believe I haven't included this story. The night we stayed at Russell Field shelter, a bear shredded one of Pitt's t-shirts he'd left hanging on a laundry line. The rest of his clothes that were hanging up got soaked. So, on top of his already heavy pack, he had an extra 10+ lbs. of wet laundry. When he heard the siren call of the cars traveling to/from Clingman's Dome, he couldn't resist the opportunity for a warm, dry hotel room and laundry. Can't say I blame him. He tried to talk me into joining him, but ultimately, I hadn't budgeted for a hotel room in the Smokies, and was more interested in getting through the park and back to my baby dawg.
Met NOBO Manimal at the shelter tonight.
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