A big THANK YOU to the staff and Dr. Anthony Slagle for treating my skin cancer on Feb. 27th just 7 days after the return of the biopsy result. Laser was a painless procedure for this early stage basal cell; it will heal in 3-4 weeks. I'll need to keep it clean on the trail to ensure proper healing.
A big THANK YOU to David Toone, L.Ac health without drugs or surgery. David is fully certified by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). He holds a Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine from the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley, California. A reoccurring issue with plantar fasciitis on my left foot had reared its ugly head. Under his care my body was restored to its full potential and I successfully completed a half marathon on my 63rd birthday last year. Over the course of his treatments, my foot no longer hurt and my body and mind became strong and confident. This time plantar fasciitis struck on the opposite foot; that was a surprise. I was fortunate to call on a day when someone had cancelled an appointment and he could see me the following day. I saw him 3 times for acupuncture, moxa and took herbal medication for about a week and my foot responded. Acupuncture is about moving, regulating, and correcting the body’s energy imbalances and I'm prepared to return to the trail.
A big THANK YOU to Squirrel (trail name) from Mountain Crossings store at Neels Gap who went through by back pack on March 8th and advised me on what I needed and what I didn't need. He thru-hiked the AT in 2006 just after finishing high school. He said he didn't waste his parents' money on sending him to college. I imagine the education he received hiking from Georgia to Maine was priceless. 
The inside of my pack - from the bottom of the pic which is actually the top of my pack: tent and cooking kit, yellow-clothes; grey - sleeping pad; green - food and the top which is actually the bottom of my pack - dark green compression sack holds 2 quilts, liner, down socks and down hat. WHEW ! I like organization; now if I can get everything squeezed down as tightly as he managed ....THANK YOU, G-4, for all the driving up and back, up and back, up and back and for your support. I love you and I'll really miss you.
RECAP: Those are my Leki trekking poles at Unicoi Gap on February 16, 2013. I was glad to be in this parking lot; I had made it through a very cold night at Blue Mountain Shelter campsite (rain/sleet/dusting of snow) and the weather forecast for that night was a low around 17 degrees and snow. I was sad too. Getting off the trail after only 2.5 days ... was I setting a record for the fastest departure from the Appalachian Trail ? Certainly, this was not in my plan. I knew that starting on February 14 was taking a chance but it was a chance I wanted to take. I'm the kind of person that sees the glass half full rather than half empty (that's my husband). Yes, we married our opposites which has made for an interesting soon-to-be 43 years together. The decision was made easier because I expected to get off the trail at some point to return for treatment of the skin cancer if the biopsy was positive. Just not quite this early ...but it all worked out. I wasn't that far from home and it made my return easier.
I came off the trail by the little green sign in the picture below and crossed the highway -- that was interesting ! As I looked to my right all I could see was a hill and to the left was the curve. So we listened for cars and moved as fast as we could. Buddy cooperated and didn't bounce around on my back too much.
My husband (G-4) drove me back to Unicoi Gap, I ascended these steps and returned to the trail. It was bittersweet. He would not hike with me as he did on Valentine's Day, my first day on the AT. And so, I began the climb up Rocky Mountain -- the beginning of my 4th day on the Appalachian Trail. Look closely and you can see the white blaze on the on the sign through the trees at the bend in the steps. I'll need to keep my eye out for these to show me the way.
I'm On My Way -- a happy song of celebration by Phil Collins
Winkle suggested this song for me. I found this cute rendition with bears. This variety of bear is the only type I hope to see on my pilgrimage.
Tell everybody I'm on my way
New friends and new places to see
With blue skies ahead, yes I'm on my way
And there's no where else I'd rather be
Tell everybody I'm on my way
And I'm loving every step I take
With the sun beating down, yes I'm on my way
And I can't keep this smile off my face
Cause there's nothing like seeing each other again
No matter what the distance between
And the stories we tell, will make you smile
Oh, it really lifts my heart
So tell'em I'm on my way
New friends and new places to see
And to sleep under the stars and could ask for more
With the moon keeping watch over me
Not the snow nor the rain, can change my mind
The sun will come out, wait and see
And the feeling of the wind
In your face can lift your heart
Oh... there's no where I'd rather be
Cause I'm on my way now
Well and true
I'm my way there
I'm on my way now
Tell everybody I'm on my way
I just can't wait to be there
With blue skies ahead, yes I'm on my way
And nothing but good times to share
So tell everybody I'm on my way
And I just can't wait to be home
With the sun beating down yes I'm on my way
And nothing but good times to show
I'm on my way
Yes, I'm on my way
Unicoi Gap to Tray Mountain Shelter 3-9-13
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| Ice -- when will winter end ? |
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| G-4 hikes with me to Rocky Mountain |
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| Escargot and her husband, Snowman (their 3rd attempt in 4 yrs. to thru-hike the AT). This is THEIR year ! |
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| A good-bye pic of G-4 as he heads back down to Unicoi Gap and the car |
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| A parting smile from me |
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| Sole Sister |
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| Boy Scout Troop provides my 1st trail magic enroute to Tray Mt. |
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| Man on left grew up in Fayette County, GA |
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| See the white blaze on the rock denoting the trail |
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| Blue blaze on tree is sign for the water source at Tray Mt. |
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| Young man from Colorado, Charlie and Dreamer at Tray Mt. Shelter |
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| Tray Mt. water source |
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Fourth Station of the Cross - Jesus Meets His Loving Mother
Lord, you continue to strain under the weight of the cross, consumed by the effort to simply place one foot in front of the other. Sound and sight weave into a confused blur of hatred and ridicule. Yet, in a singular moment, your focus sharpens, and you become aware of your mother. And gazing into her eyes you know again the profound significance of your connectedness to all humankind.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the mounting hardships of these years. My spirit sags, my perspective becomes distorted. Self-pity arises and blinds me to the fact that I am not the only one who walks this road. And in my failure to recognize my brother and sister, mother and father, I magnify with loneliness the weight of my burden.
Lord, help me to stay connected with all of creation and to acknowledge my shared destiny with my fellow travelers on this journey. And when I feel discouraged by disappointments and difficulties, fill me with an assurance that all the rhythms of life are part of that music created by your wisdom.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the mounting hardships of these years. My spirit sags, my perspective becomes distorted. Self-pity arises and blinds me to the fact that I am not the only one who walks this road. And in my failure to recognize my brother and sister, mother and father, I magnify with loneliness the weight of my burden.
Lord, help me to stay connected with all of creation and to acknowledge my shared destiny with my fellow travelers on this journey. And when I feel discouraged by disappointments and difficulties, fill me with an assurance that all the rhythms of life are part of that music created by your wisdom.
Well, you are definitely on your way. I can see you dancing down the trail to that song!!...Winkle
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