I watched the sunrise from the Hike Inn the morning of my thruhike. As the glowing orb crossed the gap between the mountain tops and clouds, I realized I would be living by that sun. The presence or absence of it would govern my actions. No longer could I hide inside the walls of a building when the sun disappeared behind rainclouds. No longer could I close out the morning light with curtains. No longer could I create a bit of light by flipping a switch. My world was about to change, and I along with it.
As I stood atop Springer, I nearly jumped out of my shoes with excitement. I couldn't believe I was actually there. I was ready to take off and conquer the world. I was prepared to fly over the mountains. But that was nearly two years ago, when my class did a day trip up the mountain. Now I felt... nothing. I don't know what I expected, really, just not the indifference as I did. I think much of the excitement comes from anticipation, rather than the thing itself. Since I had been anticipating so long, the excitement had worn down. It was almost as if this was still just a visit, a dream, anything but the actual beginning.
The first night was spent at Three Forks, in a hidden utopia where we had stayed a few years back. As we looked for a bear bag tree, a barking dog blasted out of the woods. Where is my trekking pole when I need it? I thought. Thankfully the dog paused a few feet in front of us, as the owner called to it through the trees. "Might as well introduce him so he quits barking at you," the owner said, walking toward us. Diane and I bent down and held out our hands. The dog timidly reached out his pointed nose, but inches before our fingers he changed his mind and backed away. This happened several times. After a few minutes of silence I asked the owner his name and we shook hands. Instantly it seemed a wall was broken. The dog walked right into me, begging to be pet. It was such a profound moment; the dog had sensed a barrier between people which a simple handshake had broken.
Is that a teeter totter? I thought, as I trudged to the bathroom. Diane and I had seen a sign that read "Cemetery and Shed." Naturally, we decided to check it out. Sure enough, New Bethel Church had made a pavilion and bathroom next to a cemetery, welcoming campers. Upon closer inspection, I found out it was not a teeter totter, but a merry go round! You can imagine the fun we had on that!
Further up the trail we ran into a hollow tree. Of course, I had to climb in it. One cannot pass a tree of that great hollow significance and not take advantage of the opportunity. Later that night we played BS, Spoons, and Kemps with some fellow hikers. Fun and games all day... I think this thruhike is off to a good start.
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