[at-l] a sad hello again...

[twj175@voicenet.com]

I wanted to send you all this note to let you know that I am, unfortunately off the trail
right now.  Many of you have sent me letters of encouragement while I’ve planned this over
the past few years, and I thought I owed you all that.

I never expected to be an early casualty, and indeed, it happened for a reason that I
never would have imagined.  I was only at the NOC having spent just two weeks enjoying the
incredible beauty and experience of the southern AT.  I did indeed have an incredible
time, and I will post my abbreviated journal and photos when I get a chance – and you all
lose along with me, because I wrote a lot.

In one incredible day last week, I spent the sunrise in solitude with snow showers and
hail on Albert Mt, capped my afternoon with a spectacular battle with the sun and wind on
Siler bald, then watched the setting sun set the world afire from atop Wayah Bald.  I
already miss it.

The reason for my departure is not physical – I was feeling wonderful.

Rather, my girlfriend and soul-mate of the past five years, who I’ve lived with for the
past two, chose a rain-swept morning last week from the gravel parking lot of the NOC to
tell me that she had figured out in the time she had alone that she needed to go somewhere
new with her life, and that somewhere was not with me.  It was for me, a complete and
utter surprise.  I have still not yet accepted it, nor given up hope.

Right now my heart is not on the trail.

I don’t want to bother you all with my personal troubles, but I wanted you to know that I
am off for now.  I also want you to know that the trail is alive out there every day. 
Spring is fighting it’s way out of the cold nights.  The Hiker Trash Tour 2000 is back in
full swing.  There is a healthy amount of TP skepticism out there.  I missed meeting Coosa
by mere hours twice.  Gary and Lennie are serving wonderful breakfasts every day at the
Blueberry Patch.  Even Felix 'the published author's' name is turning up noses. 

The trail is on the move.

You have been some great friends over the past year, and if anyone has been through
something like this and have a few minutes to write, I’d really appreciate it.

Thanks, and peace.

"Philly" Tom



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