Fri Apr 27, 2018 @ 14:23

Today, I am on a break at mile 344 near Erwin, TN at the Cantarroso Farm and Hostel. The view is from an overlook on the trail with a view of the Nolichucky River. These overlooks are amazing but some of them make me downright dizzy!

Last week my son picked me up at Natures Inn at mile 319 near Sams Gap and we went to Knoxville TN to visit his wife’s grandparents. It was quite a treat because I was meeting them for the first time and they were so gracious and had a beautiful home. Especially wonderful was seeing my two year old granddaughter Anna Marie-I have missed her ever-smiling face. Just to add to all the wonderful ness-I got celebrate my birthday and my son’s birthday too!

So maybe I am not moving up the trail in record time. One thing about the Appalachian Trail is that hikers have different goals and objectives. My primary objective is to stay injury free and so far I have! I still struggle with the foot pain that I have had all my life, but at least I don’t get blisters! All my outdoors barefoot life as permaculture gardener has seen to that.

Another objective newly discovered is to explore alternative getaways in beautiful places! I have discovered so much charm, kindness and downright beauty in all the various hostels I have visited. These are places worth returning to in the future.

A lifelong interest of mine has been useful plants-plants for food, plants for medicine, and beauty. Since I have all day to study the plants at my feet as I walk (saunter as John Muir suggests), I am learning new ones all the time and they stick in my memory because I see them every day.

Well, I have to sign off now and get my pack ready because I will head to the trail at 0700 in the morning. Maybe if I get up early I can make farm fresh eggs before I go. Today I had them for breakfast right out of the coop across from my cabin.

Thanks for following me. Please feel free to tell me about your adventures-AT or otherwise in the comments!

One of the conflict areas where I worked was Liberia-a country largely modeled after the USA. Rural areas suffer from a lack of clean water. As hikers we know how much work it is to collect our liter bottles of water—but imagine that you have to provide water for all uses for your extended family, elders, littles, the disabled and all. This arduous task usually falls to the women of the family. So I am supporting this project in Liberia. I know the groups involved and have met them personally in Liberia. Please read about the project for its interest when you have time. Donating is appreciated but not required. None of the funds go to my hike. Only to help the project get on its feet with an ultimate goal of self-suffficiency. GoFundMe.com/cleanwaterforliberia