I headed up the trail about 8:15 am; my earliest start yet, I think. It was a quiet and cold morning. See the white blaze. By the time I was packed, the guys were up. I went over to say goodbye to Hermes and hugged him. I am grateful to have met him (and I can't believe I didn't get a picture of him - darn !). He befriended me on facebook; thus, this pic.
In the pic below up ahead you can see a tree over the trail. Sometimes they were so big that I couldn't step over them. I had to lay down on my stomach, hug the tree, and sort of roll over. This was not one of those trees however.
I was mightily aware that each step during these 3 miles would be my last on this attempted thru-hike. My emotions were everywhere ... up because I was grateful to have had this opportunity; down - because I would not see the journey through to completion and everywhere in between.
More rocks on the trail and you can see a little dusting of snow ...
Some big rocks but I'm getting closer to Hwy. 143
As I neared the highway, I could hear the cars and then I could see them. I knew I would make the 10 AM time to meet Phil. I thought I heard some one call my name and then I thought I must be hearing things. I looked around and then finally down and there on the trail below me was G-4 ! I turned my head toward the mountain and started to cry. We had parted in Georgia on the trail above Unicoi Gap and here he was to meet me on the trail as I ended my pilgrimage. How special !
He left Georgia at 4 AM and drove to North Carolina. He waited in the drive at the Cabin in the Woods until the owner came out and asked what he was doing. When he replied he was here to wait for his wife, Phil asked if her name was Margo. He gave Nick directions to the parking spot on the highway and that's how Nick came to meet me here.
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| G-4 waits for me |
Nick and I hugged and his first words were "I will bring you back here; I know how to get back here." What a shock. I expected him to say he was glad I was coming home and my journey was over. I was stunned but in that moment it seemed I could hear God's whisper to listen to my husband.
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| The steps leading off the trail at Stecoah Gap, NC/Hwy. 143 |
I posed for my final picture on the Appalachian Trail. I took off my pack (Buddy) and removed my top jacket and put on a big smile ... you know - the kind of smile that's just for show.
Nick turned on the heater in the car and I pressed the button to heat up my seat. It felt good to be sitting in a cushioned seat and warm. Mountains were all around me and I gazed at them through the car windows. I had walked in them. What a gift ! My journey was hard and challenging at times; sometimes cold and desolate; on more than one occasion frightening and dangerous; sunny, beautiful, and fantastic with incredible views. And then - the incredible people I met while hiking the trail as well as Charlie, the dog. The trail angels who fed me and gave me rides; the hostel owners who provided sanctuary. Thank you for befriending me; you are the greatest gifts !!!
I am also so very grateful for the prayers offered up for me from my family, friends, and those (whom I have never met) who have been reading my trail journal and blog . I could not have made this journey without you. Your prayer support kept me from serious injury and lifted my spirit on really cold and windy days and nights. Your prayer support helped me to make good decisions when I was uncertain and helped me to remain calm when panic seemed imminent. Your prayers helped me to remain close to Jesus and to know that He walked with me every step.
The last two days this song kept running through my mind:
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