Mustang Sally’s Journal
April 15th, 2008 Posted in Uncategorized|
Hi to all ATgroup members:
Well, it’s March 31st; have finished my first month (calendar wise) and have added a few new members to the group.
Found a little quote that I wrote down: ” In a remote cove or on a high wind swept ridge, thoughts and cares of the modern world drop away, letting us for a little while become children of the earth”.
First, the ankles are better. The right is still a little swollen, but each day I hike I bind them up. Most of my blisters are healed; only two are left. Think I had about 7 at one time. Have you ever tried to look at the back of your toes? It’s a little hard (smile). Anyway, I got everything from the drugstore for blisters including what we in the operating room know as Durabond. But believe me, everyone has aches and pains on the trail no matter what their age.
I’m finished with Georgia and I’m now in Franklin, North Carolina. It’s a nice little town. Very hiker friendly. This morning, one of the local Baptist churches had a FREE pancake/bacon breakfast for all the hikers and they even picked you up at the local hotels. I said one of the Baptist churches; they have around 30 churches. I managed to down about 8 pancakes and coffee and OJ.
Went grocery shopping (didn’t mail drop here) at a store called Ingles; it’s a local southern chain. Got some thai single soup mixes. On the trail you get tired of the commom foods; chicken noodle soup, peanut butter, oatmeal, etc. Spice adds a little interest to your meal time. Not like we can go out to eat (SMILE).
Our (remember I have a loose partnership with a lady about 7 years older than me) next destination with be Fontana Dam and after that the Smokey Mts. We figure on the 5th day we will arrive at the dam; April 5th.
Someone asked me what piece of equipment helped me the most and I will have to say my hiking poles. Without those 2 poles I would probably be over the side of the mountain.
Got a liner for my sleeping bag here in Franklin. I’ve been cold several times in the bag; I’m cold nature like lots of women. I also got a new pair of hiking socks here, as I have already rubbed thin a hold in the toes and heel area of the first pair. They were name brand socks too. This time I’m trying Smartwool.
The hardest and most challenging part of the last section was Albert Mountain. It was all rocks and handholds (course it was raining and the rocks and leaves were slippery).
Most trail people say that if you make it past the third week on the trail that you will make it barring accidents. I’m still taking it step by step but I’m thinking in my mind that soon I will have my second state behind me.
I sent my kindle machine ahead to Fontana Dam, as it needed to be juiced up and my Mom sent that box to Fontana Dam. Otherwise, I was in the middle of a nonfiction book about movie making in the years l966-67.
The trees are in bud here and spring is in the air. Bulbs are pushing up through the ground and of course with spring comes rain.
Today, the sky is cloudy with gray clouds. It will probably rain tomorrow
(smile). Thanks to all of you for your interest in my journey and the “go for it” attitude. It really helps.
Until Fontana Dam:
I’m Mustang Sally
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