My decision to hand in my two weeks’ notice has had some immediate effects on me. On the one hand, my mood is better. I’m no longer on the road forever. If I want, I can leave in two weeks. That gives me some relief to think about. But also, waking up in Hurricane Shelter, I’m determined to enjoy the day as much as possible. If this is going to be one of my last days on the trail, I’m going to make the most of it.
As we walk, I can appreciate all the wildflowers starting to bloom. There are butterflies everywhere, and some of them even decide to join us for about half a minute, flying alongside us along the way.
The psychological effect of my decision not only affects my mood, but also my body. I feel stronger today. Ready to take on the task of hiking. Because it is not necessarily one of more than 170 days, but one of very few. I can walk a great day when it is with a shorter period of time in mind. For the last few days our mileage has been low. 13 and 8. But today? We do a whopping 19 miles!
Pizza in a shelter?
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not «fixed» because the main motivation for this was not a beautiful trail. It was pizza. 19 miles from Hurricane Shelter is Pertnership Shelter, just outside the city of Marion. And there is a telephone in the visitor center which is very close. Through that phone you can communicate with several restaurants in Marion. I’m willing to walk 19 miles for that.
Dreaming of my hammock!
Also, we are heading to Marion tomorrow as I am eagerly awaiting my hammock! He should be waiting for me at the post office, having been held there since before the Smokies. I tried camping and living on the ground, as I had to stay in shelters throughout the park. And I tried to continue like this for quite a while longer, hoping to get used to sleeping in a tent. That hasn’t gone well. I wake up several times a night, toss and turn a lot, and never feel completely rested. My hammock, on the other hand, is glorious. It has a weight penalty and takes up more space in my backpack, but it sure makes me feel more comfortable at night. And that will surely allow me to sleep better on the road. I would like that very much. Maybe it will even help me get in a better mood and change things.
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