I've made it to the 50 mile mark (even a little more) and stepped off for a zero day at Unicoi Gap. The support of the trail community is amazing near these trail towns. In the parking lot, I asked a nice couple looking at maps in their car for the correct direction to hitch to Helen, GA where I planned to take my break. Turns out they were veteran hikers--the driver was Mother Nature. A kind 76-year old lady who is still section hiking strong. She and her husband carried me into Helen and we drove around to several places to find room at the inn, so to speak. Turns out Helen is a jumping place on a Saturday and their was a car show in town. Finally, we found a spot at the Quality Inn and I crashed out.
The trail truly does provide. When I stepped off the trail at Woody Gap at mile 20.5 last week--I got a ride there in the parking lot! That time I zeroed at Barefoot Hills Hostel.
Trail thoughts: Solitude is not the same as being alone. On the trail I am relearning true solitude. My commitment is to embrace the silence without and listen to my own thoughts only. I'm frequently alone back home, but there are distractions-internet, podcasts, music, books... however, on the trail I'm not using earbuds at all. You may pass me talking to myself! There are so many things to just think about. Freud invented the "talking cure" but for many I think this is the "walking cure!"
