Elisabeth Thigpen - Appalachian Trail
Sunday, May 17
Nice that you think of me. Today is our first O-day that is in AT Jargon No Miles> So we are still in VA holing-up in a Best Western for a day or 2. The trail is a lot harder than I thought. Lots of up and down even though they say The Shenandoah stretch is the easiest. We are only averaging 8 miles per day-short of 4 miles what I calculated. Must be our 30 lb backpack slowing us down - HA. But the whole experience is great -even getting rained on at the campground last night. Lots of YOUNG people on the trail, thru hikers, section hikers, and day hikers. And the shelters are usually full but there are always camp sites available and we usually sleep in our own tents. Food consists mainly of instant mash potatoes with sausage pieces,or Ramen noodles. On the trail lots of candy bars,etc. The best part is meeting people from all over and for Nancy (who is a big gardener) all the flowering bushes and wild flowers. Saw 1 bear so far even though others claim to have seen many more. I am planning to keep on hiking as long as my spirits are good and I am staying healthy. So far we have stayed in 5 shelter grounds, 2 nice nat. forest campgrounds and 3 in the Wild. So far so good and enjoyable. Now I better call all my daughters now that I had chance to recharge my phone. That's all for today. Love Elisabeth Nice that you think of me. |