August 26, 2004

This is the first day since the beginning of my thru-hike which began on April 4th, I have not pre-planned my mileage, etc. with Bear.  I needed to regroup both physically and emotionally after my scary fall.  I chose to limit my miles for one day and Bear chose to push on for an additional seven.  Why?  I don't know.  After 1,800 plus miles, are seven extra miles worth a lifetime's friendship?  I cannot pretend that I was not hurt by Bear's decision.

The Whites are flat-out dangerous, particularly if the weather patterns change.  With tons of love and support from my family and friends, I am beginning a new chapter in my journey northward with a heavy heart.  "If we always know who walks beside us in this path we have chosen, we could not experience fear and doubt."

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

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