[at-l] Paula's thru -- as of Franklin NC

[ATnavi@aol.com]

I'm just sending a short note to say I'm in Franklin NC tonite, @ the 
Franklin Motel.  I got off trail @ Rock Gap, right near Wallace Gap or 
Winding Stair Gap.  I Meant to hike to wallace gap & get off there, but Trail 
Angel Smoky Mt Steve was there after hiking down to see the Waslik Poplar and 
he offered me a ride to town.  I'm not one to quibble about half a mile, so 
got off trail there and am now sitting in a nice warm dry hotel room with 
PLUMBING!!!!!

AFter the weather we've had the last 3 days, I hiked a 12 mile day to be able 
to come in tonite vs tm.  My biggest day so far, I hiked my feet off.  But, 
today was snowing on & off all day and its supposed to be in the low 20's 
tonite.  After 2 days & nites straight of major rain thunder, lightning 
storms, one could say I had motivation!  I do have to admit that this am, 
walking along in yesterdays still wet & frigid cold clothes in the blowing 
snow, the thought crossed my mind, I'm wet, I'm cold, I'm hungry, I'm heading 
towards one of the worst vertical boulder climbs on the trail and its 
snowing... WHY the heck am I so happy I'm humming????

I think I've come down with Thru-Hikeritis.  The worst day on the trail is 
better than a day @ the office.  ( Hiker Motto out here )

I'm going thru my pack to see if I have something less offensive smelling to 
wear while doing laundry and having dinner.  The folks here @ the hotel say 
the restaurant across from the laundrymat is used to hikers in odd clothing 
combo,s eating while their clothes sud.  So far all I,ve got is a pair of 
shorts, socks, and my rain poncho.  Tm I need to shop for something lite & 
small to put in my bounce for these laundry situations.  Its too cold to sit 
there in my poncho!

Off to the shower for me.  Got some good stories to tell later...

Cheerio  GA-ME 2000
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