I hitch-hiked for the first time…
Today was my first car ride in a week. Boy, are cars fast. At one point we were going 1 mile-per-minute!! (That’s 60mph if you don’t want to do the math.) I’ve been averaging 2-3 mph. My hiking gears are similar to the speed of trucks on a highway. Steep uphill = super slow. Easy uphill = decent pace. Level ground = normal to fast pace. Slight downhill = fast as possible without falling. Steep downhill = slooooow.
Tonight is my second hostel night, this time in ridiculously beautiful Hiawassee, GA. It’s so rewarding to emerge from the woods after a quick 11 miles, have free lunch as trail magic, get to a great place like the Blueberry Patch hostel where they do your laundry, feed you breakfast as their ‘ministry’ (donations accepted), and get a warm shower. Hiking is rewarding in and of itself. But I’m learning half the joy comes from setting a goal for a town 3-4 days away and relaxing there.
Anyway, thanks again for your encouraging messages. I’m planning on taking a full day off in Franklin, NC, where I plan to catch up and respond to all of them! That is if I survive the rain/thunderstorms tomorrow and Monday, and the freezing cold and snow we’re expecting on Tuesday. Oh how ironic that just a few hours ago I was sunning in the backyard, skin slightly burned in the 75 degree April sun.
Too tired to type my Trail Report. My thumbs are about to give up. (Update typed on cellphone.)
See you in Franklin, NC. I’ll post some pictures on the site when I’m there. Goodnight!
Ay, mi hijo!! Espero que tus rodillas esten mejores. Me preocupo de ti. Te quiero tantisimo!! Rezo por ti mucho. Cuidate mi querido. Te extrano…..Espero que te cuide el Dios, Tu mama
Comment by Tu mama — April 4, 2009 @ 10:28 pm
DO NOT HITCHHIKE!!! I will come and give you a lift!!! Buddy is big enough to carry you!
Comment by Tu mama — April 4, 2009 @ 10:29 pm
cheers from roatan, honduras.
my hike today was similar to yours…only i simply hiked about a block to rent a tiny motorcycle after deep-sea diving. then explored the island (google it). i’m currently like you in that:
1. i sweat lots
2. i carry everything in my backpack(s)…sidenote, should have gotten some pointers before my trek. sidenote again, i have discovred some incredible boxers that you really must get…it’ll revolutionize your backpack. swear.
that is all. carry on. hike on. learn.
Comment by brown — April 4, 2009 @ 10:39 pm
I experienced a little “trail magic” as well this week. A very sweet guy donated his Starbucks Gold card to me. 🙂 Thanks!
Glad to hear you’re doing well and getting some rest!
Comment by mandy — April 5, 2009 @ 1:14 am
I rented “Paper Clips” for your mom to watch. She flooded the living room and had to go the bathroom to get a refill on Kleenex. It’s all about putting your heart toward an effort to accomplish amazing things…..huh?
Comment by Dad — April 5, 2009 @ 6:37 am
Dude, you’re living my dream! I wish I could be out there with you. I’m excited and a little envious all at the same time. I have you linked on my website and Facebook…hope you get so famous that your privacy is forever compromised. Ha ha! Kidding, of course. Hike on!
Comment by Scott — April 5, 2009 @ 9:07 am
Hey weren’t we in Franklin on tour? sounds familiar… then again a lot of those places all blur together in my memory. I do remember though that the last time we were in the Carolinas (I think it was greenville, SC) you pulled your shoulder out of socket. or rather that crazy boat driver and the nasty wake. anyway… I hope this time through the Carolinas all your joints stay where God meant them to be. bonne chance mon ami! 🙂
Comment by Amy H — April 5, 2009 @ 10:36 am
It is exciting that you will be in a new state soon!!! And I am glad that a killer didn’t pick you up on your hitch-hike adventure. Enjoy your day off in the Carolinas! Love you, Buddy! Praying for you often!
Comment by celeste and nathan — April 5, 2009 @ 9:27 pm
Amazing. I hope Franklin, NC has a Mcrearys NC for you.
Comment by Matt Armstrong — April 6, 2009 @ 7:43 pm
Hey Chris, thought I would let you know I was praying for you and that I’m super pumped about what you are doing. I hope everything keeps going well and safe for you!
Couple of questions:
Why’d you have to hitch hike?
How long do you think it will take you to finish? (Like what month do you finish)
Alright man, be strong and don’t die!
Comment by Howdyshell — April 7, 2009 @ 8:47 pm