Only 2167 and 3/4 miles to go

April 17, 2003

I section hiked 1/4 of a mile of the Appalachian Trail on Wednesday leaving me with only 2167.75 miles to complete the entire trail. I saw several thru hikers at Newfound Gap in the Smokies and could not settle on an emotion towards these people: envy or pity. At first it was definitely envy as I talked to Wrong Way Brown and Sparky (I think these were the trail names they told me) and some other girl who’s name I can’t recall. They seemed to be having a blast (with the exception of a snowstorm a few nights back). And after answering all of my questions they hoisted their packs and strolled away down the trail towards Maine. What an incredible experience that must be… Later I decided I’d hike a little of the trail myself. This is when envy turned to pity. I am so out of shape. My calves hurt after just a couple hundred yards. And these people have been walking a month with 5 more months to go. I don’t know if I could do it… Oh, but it would be awesome I bet.

There are lots of other pictures from the vacation in the gallery of Myrtle Beach and Cherokee, NC, and The Smokies, and this one of my boy, Aaron, who is a very peculiar little guy. I think this snapshot may rival the hardhat boy pushes baby doll in stroller pic and diaper bag turban for weirdest Aaron picture. Let me know what you think.