Miles Today - 0
I stayed in Gatlinburg all day, doing chores, eating food, and lounging around the motel with the other hikers.
Today I just wanted to briefly write about where I am mentally with this trip. I set out intent to reach Maine before the term began, but I've begun to rethink the objective. For one, I no longer feel much of a desire to complete the trail. For another, while the pace I set would be doable, it wouldn't be much fun to rush rush rush my way to the north.
So I've decided to walk till I feel like stopping. Hiking has always been about accomplishment for me, and having my only goal be Maine makes it harder to feel good about each day. So I'm setting smaller goals. Next stop is Hot Springs, and I'll plan from there. This is all to say that I may be out here for another week, another month, or maybe the whole summer after all. We'll see.
So far though, I've been having a hell of a good time on the trail. If you ever are having doubts about the goodness of people, take a walk on the AT. The kindness shown by people on and off the trail is staggering. The strong sense of community among long distance hikers is evident each day on the trail, each night at a shelter, and in towns when two of you pass, poles click clacking on the cement.
It's a wonderful place, and I'm having a wonderful time. How much longer I'll be out here is something I still have to figure out, but I'll continue living it up until then. Cheers.
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