Reflections on the Start (Laura)

(Lunch stop on day 2.)

After four tough days of hiking, we are taking today as a zero day at
Neels Gap, GA. My body has made some progress as I get my "Trail legs"
and I've definitely made some mental progress as well.

On the morning of our first day, I felt like we were booking it. I
felt great. The afternoon of the same day, I felt like I might die.
Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating, but it was rough. Day two was too. I was
tired and cold and sore and missing Eric so much, I was was starting
to wonder if hiking the Trail was the right thing to do. I will not
admit to calling him that night sobbing, so don't ask.

Anyway...day three was by far the worst day for my sore body. I could
hardly stand up at the end of the day. But the night was a little
warmer and I slept well after some good campfire conversation with new
friends.

I felt much better about the Trail after that night. We had a good
hike on day four and got to Neels Gap last night. We rented a cabin
with two new friends, Indian and Greenlite. And Dad has a trail name
now: Elwood. Like, from Blues Brothers. Eric's been trying to get me
to watch that movie for months now. Guess it's time to give in. I,
however, am still waiting for my trail name, but I'll let you know
when I get one.

Tomorrow is a 12-mile day. Our longest so far, but I think we can do
it. I just hope the weather clears up.