Stuck in this seat today!

All day today I have been sending emails, talking on the phone, making lists, reading up on different aspects of the CDT. The nitty gritty of trail planning is happening right now. GO TIME!
I just read up on an A.T. ambassador program sponsored by various outdoor companies. The idea of being a sponsored athlete is appealing. Pursuing something of that nature at an earlier stage in my planning would have been helpful. Hindsight is 20/20!! Regardless of timing, I am going to see what unfolds from here on out though. It has been quite exciting to see what may unfold with Mountain High Outfitters, an outfitter with stores in AL, GA, and TN. The company’s motto is: “Get Out. Get Active. Be Inspired. Live Your Passion.” Yes!!

It was part of my pre-trail planning to get a pedicure. The picture shows the handiwork of Allison and she did a great job. A lovely lady I know treated me to the pampering. THANKS!! I did manage to kick the grocery store cart with my right little toe after the pedicure though. OUCH! It wouldn’t stop bleeding! And I knocked a little flesh chunk out on my right ring finger earlier in the day. Injury prone already?!

Talking with Castle this morning was encouraging. Each of us has our own experience, but it is helpful to talk with folks who have blazed the trail ahead of me. Rattlebee ought to be on his way to the States now. Analog and I chit-chatted yesterday. I should see him in Lordsburg!! PCT 2012 reunion! Hawkeye, whom I hiked with for a week in OR, is already on trail- as are Chili and Pepper!! It’ll be great to reunite with any and/or all of those people while I am out there.

The move out of my house is done! I lived in that quaint, homey place for 4 years. That is in the running for the longest I have ever lived anywhere. It was my first home on my lonesome. The huge magnolia tree in the large yard always put a smile on my face when I looked at it. The smell of the freshly cut grass and the quietness of Healy Fields were my favorite. I’ll certainly miss that home! With that though, I am incredibly excited and anticipatory for what lies ahead. Saying bye to the little town filled with people I love was bittersweet. I hope to return in September for a little visit- in the least. It’s up in the air as far as where I will reside when I return. I basically have 5 months to pray on that one…first things first!!

I can now focus on getting my gear packed up for the CDT. For the rest of the day I will be working on map stuff (addresses and projected stops), GPS stuff, and emergency contact information for folks back home. It is falling into place and I am grateful.

Spending this weekend with the Calverts and other dear friends (the body of believers/Christians) is important to me. Good Friday- ‘a significant day where Christ wasn’t the only one to die on the cross. Sin and death died there too.’ Easter day- ‘Praise be to God I’m set free from both (sin and death) through Christ’s resurrection!’ ‘Praise for the blood that was shed so that only my body shall taste death.’

“Jesus Christ lived in the midst of his enemies. At the end, all his disciples deserted him. On the cross He was utterly alone, surrounded by evildoers and mockers. For this cause He had come, to bring peace to the enemies of God. So the Christian, too, belongs not in the seclusion of a cloistered life but in the thick of foes. There is His commission, His work.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Hike Strong and Have Fun! Taking It All In, Stride