August 16, 2004

I slept in the cabin's loft last night and awoke to drip..drip..drip.  The ceiling was leaking and I needed to move every now and then to dodge the rain.  I got a late start today due to laziness.  Sometimes it's hard to get out of my soft, snuggly sleeping bag and hike in a very wet forest.  The mosquitoes were biting despite my best efforts by wearing long pants and Deep Woods Off.  My body is tirering, so my hiking pace is now in granny gear. Yikes! :)

I am going to purchase more candy and lots of it, to pack out hoping that the sugar boost can keep me from falling behind in my planned miles. My miles to date are 1,730.7.  No wonder I am physically weary!  Emotionally, I am great which is why I am still loving the adventure.  Each day is a masterpiece...a lesson learned from my sister, Cheryl, during her 10 year battle with breast cancer.  She ALWAYS knew how to make other's smile. Today...I smiled as I walked the A.T. thinking about Cheryl.

"If you knew who walked beside you at all times, on this path you have chosen, you could never experience fear and doubt again."

A profound quote sent to me by a girlfriend from Cincinnati.  Thank you, Brenda, for each and every postcard with attached quotes.  I read them to Bear at each maildrop.

"I have learned that love does not end, not even with death;

it continues to express itself in ways ever new." -James E. Miller