Smankin - Appalachian Trail Journal - 2010

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Doesn't get better than this.

Journal Entry

Ill be honest here: The other day I had a major breakdown. I had had a few bad days in a row and I wanted to go home more than anything. I thought back to when this kid told me something along the lines of never quit on a bad day; if you're going to quit, quit on your best day. So i fought with myself, mind vs heart. Even though I missed my friends and bed and home and family and pets and "past" life, I knew I couldn't quit. That same day I had a breakdown I hiked with crafty and we talked and walked and the day flew. We hiked our first 21 mile day that day. I may not be here without her company and I'm starting to love her for everything she teaches me and all the help she may not even realize she is giving.

I've just left Erwin tenessee where I stayed at uncle johnnys hostel.

Towns are normally in valleys so everytime I leave a town it is a climb physically and mentally. Out here you start to appreciate the simple little things. A pillow, a toilet and most importantly people begin to mean so much more. So everytime I leave a town It is a climb:

a climb that challeneges me more and more each time. Today was one of the hardest days to leave town and I hate to say it but it was because of a boy. Ain't it always about a boy? Breaking wind: Luke, thanks for everything, for robinhood, not letting me quit and for telling me it was dew from the grass. I hope you find what you need at home and enjoy the navy. You'll be missed out here. And thanks Phil from Maine the freighttrain for the suggested trail love.

Crafty and I are chasing some friends deets, Slogo and power pack and we are hoping turtle, hazard, slingshot, and mountain camel catch us.

We are Pumped because we are going to make it in time for trail days in Damascus! We are almost done with three states too ; Virginia blues here we come.

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