Hiking the AT With "Footsteps"

The AT Hiking Journal of Footsteps
Georgia to Maine

April 18, 2001   Atkins, VA 

Medic! Medic! Medic!

There are several things that can take a person off the trail and stop a hike. Feet, knees, back, broken bones, and even the mental acceptance of doing a hike will do it.  The legendary Emma "Grandma" Gatewood, who walked the Trail 3 times after reaching age 65, is reported to have said that thru-hiking was more "head than heel." A positive mental outlook is very important.

Thus far I have tried to remain positive about things and have not stressed the negative, other than to let you know the Trail was tough in places, or that the weather was bad, or that some blisters had occurred.

Today I report a "down day." Tom and I had planned on doing a slack pack of 23 miles, but a backache has changed all that. These miles would have tied together our walk from the Tennessee area to here.

Monday, after exiting the mountains, we walked to Troutdale, a distance of about 3 flat highway miles. The weight of the pack on that constant surface apparently ticked off something in my back. At least I am attributing the backache to that. So, instead of walking today, I will rest in bed and take more Ibuprofen. (You may rest assured that Footsteps did not lie in bed all day).

After checking the weather there would be no walk today anyway. We stepped out to more snow and cold. The higher elevations would be a lot worse. It would be very difficult for amateur hikers and "old men" to do 23 miles with any ease. I think we made the wiser decision not to walk. I will make it up later.

Tom left for Pensacola this morning. I will miss his companionship and encouragement. I expect to move north again tomorrow or Friday, especially if the body is able. My next rest stop is Bland, VA (Not a mail drop). That is four days up the road. My next mail drop is Pearisburg, VA. If you care to send a card or line, address it to me in the following manner:

Sam Varney
Attn: Hold for AT Thru-Hiker   ETA 4/27/01
Pearisburg, VA 24134

More Tomorrow!

-Footsteps