3 states down. . . 10 to go!

3/22/07 19.1 mile slackpack from Iron Mtn Gap back to Erwin, TN. So let me tell you about slackpacking. It means you get a shuttle to a spot on the trail north of where you are at and then you hike the AT south back to the destination you started. Some people aren't big fans. I say, I am still doing the mileage and it gives my aching body a little bit of a break because we just carry a day pack, in my case a fanny back from the top part of my backpack. Very cool! Today was probably one of my favorite days on the trail. It was amazing. I hiked with Jen, Fed Ex, Cough Drop, Guthook, and Turbo. We hiked together most of the day, found this amazing spring to have a snack, just had great conversations. It went by really fast. The best part is after this long day, we got to go back to Miss janet's and had mango margaritas and pizza - can't beat that after a day of hiking!

3/23/07 6 miles to Clyde Smith Shelter. It was hard putting back on a pack after the small fanny pack yesterday. Gave our bodies a bit of a rest day and just did a few miles but did manage to carry some margaritas in to camp. Made for an interesting evening - Jen and Cough Drop had me rolling. Ran into a bunch of thru-hikers behind us just before we left Miss Janet's. It was good to see them all still on the trail. I feel so blessed to be out here right now - there is no where else I'd rather be. Before I left today, Miss Janet gave me a hair cut, rather she shaved my head. With the heat we are experiencing out here, it was definitely worth it. Mouse Trap got the same hair cut.

3/24/07 12.7 miles to Overmountain area. There is a really cool shelter that was used in a movie that we wanted to stay at tonight after going over big Roan Mountain but it was so crowded (like 30 people in and around the shelter) - no thanks! We all decided to tent it, Comer and Jean and Osprey and Mouse Trap also joined us. My tummy was not feeling all that hot today so we got into camp early and just chilled out.

3/25/07 17.4 miles to Mountaineer Falls Shelter. This shelter was built just last year - very swank for us thru-hikers. It was so hot today, 85 degrees. When you are hiking, this means insanely hot and lots of sweating. I must say, I had to take the shirt off and hike in the sports bra. Can you say chaffing? I have got to figure out some system to make that better! Besides the heat, I had a great day. Hiked with Jen and Guthook today. We "borrowed" some water from a church near the trail, played at Jones Creek Falls (Jen did some nice climbing up the falls :)), and then found some trail magic in the creek. That's right, someone left unopend cold cans of beer in the creek. You just can't beat that on a hot day! I love my life!

3/26/07 15.8 miles to Kincora Hostel. I was moving a bit sluggish this morning despite the fact that I get to go to a hostel tonight. After lunch, I felt good and was finally moving. About a mile from the hostel, I took a bad spill and turned my ankle pretty good. I hobbled down to Kincora and ouch! I iced all afternoon and decided I should take it easy the next day. It's amazing how the trail teaches you lessons when you least expected. I need to slow down sometimes and now I get to! I was able to eat almost an entire pizza by myself - mmm good!

3/27/07 9 mile slackpack from 321 back to kincora. I decided to take it easy today and hike without my pack but still get in some mileage. Turned out to be a great idea. My ankle was all taped up and feeling better. I had a great hike today with Guthook, Mouse Trap and Jen. We found this great swimming hole at the end of the trail that Bob (Kincora hostel owner) recommended. It felt so good to soak the ankle and the feet. MT and Jen actually got in to the balmy 35 degree water. I need it to be a bit hotter outside for me to get in! Got back and took it easy the rest of the day. Had an amazing dinner of grilled salmon and strawberry shortcake. Glad I decided to stay an extra night - thanks for the advice Bob and Pat!

3/28/07 23 miles to Double Springs Shelter. My biggest mile day yet and I felt great - i completed it in 9 hours, just before the thunderstorm hit. Hiked by myself today and really enjoyed it. Met a section hiker at the shelter and we watched the thunderstorm while eating dinner. Can't say I minded being in the shelter and not outside. Mouse Trap wasn't so lucky but made it there shortly.

3/29/07 Yeah Damascus! I crossed into Virginia today via 18.3 miles. So excited - I was grinning like a little kid after I passed the state line. Can't believe I made it to Virginia. It feels good to be here. I made it into town pretty early so I grabbed a snack with Guthook and Cough Drop. Guthook decided to take it easy because it foot is bothering him so I get to hike with him a few more days. I love these guys! We decided to be normal for a change and headed into town for a movie - it felt so weird. Let's just say we are a very smelly bunch and I was massaging my foot during the movie. I feel bad for the other patrons. Met Mo Lasses in town and had fun with him this evening.

3/30/07 23.8 mile slackpack from Elk Garden. Decided to do another slackpack to get some mileage in before the weekend when we are taking a day off. It was a bit foggy this morning (pic of Guthook and Cough Drop) but it cleared up and turned into a beautiful day. My feet were hurting toward the end but made really good time. Alleycat and Hawk showed up in town, along with Comer and Jean. It's a big party. Took the best bath I've ever had in a whirlpool tub at Old Mill Inn and then Bridgette got into town. We had a great dinner with the boys and Pilgrim and then headed to bed by 10. I was looking forward to seeing some live music but I was so tired and full after our 5:30 am wake up and 24 mile hike today!

3/31/07 Yeah it's my day off- just updating stuff, laundry, and lots of eating. Even Guthook is taking the day off. Our bodies need nourishment and rest. Going to go through the pack today and see what else I can get rid of or exchange for less weight. Virginia is over 400 miles so we will be here awhile.

Thanks for all the love and support. I have completed 490 miles so far and I wouldn't have gotten this far without words of encouragment. A little news annoucement. I was offered a Graduate Assistantship at the University of Georgia to teach undergrads while I am getting my Masters Degree and have decided to go there next year. Pretty excited to know where I am going when I finish. I guess I am not finished with Georiga yet - I am a bit attached to my family down there.

Love you guys,

Kentucky Blue