Days 181-183

I have reached a new record, although not one I am particularly proud of.

I have officially not showered for the last 18 days straight. I haven't done laundry in 22 days. These numbers, and the fact that it has been relatively warm lately, have turned me into a walking, talking, scraggly-bearded septic tank. Flowers have begun to wilt when I walk past them. Birds flying happily through the air will suddenly drop dead when they enter the Bermuda Triangle of my stench. I no longer need to worry about mice at the shelters anymore because they all flee when they smell me coming, preferring to freeze to death in the woods rather than keep me company.

But other than that, life is good! I caught a nice view of the surrounding mountains on top of the fire tower on Albert Mountain, and officially have less than 100 miles to go! 70 miles left, to be exact. I am taking my time and truly enjoying this final week of hiking.

The southbound bubble behind me is beginning to catch up, as everyone has begun putting in big miles to make sure that they get home by Christmas. I've met Cheeseburglar and Soy Nuts recently, and am sure to meet a few more SOBOs before the week is over.

I ate lunch with a great hiker named Wildcat. Wildcat is a triple-crowner, meaning he has hiked all three of the long distance trails in America-- the AT, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail. He is finishing up a southbound flip-flop hike this year on the AT. Wildcat is also a Trail Chaplain, which means he is commissioned by a church to hike the Appalachian Trail and provide emotional and spiritual guidance and encouragement to hikers out in the wilderness. He was a really cool dude, and I truly enjoyed our conversation.

I officially crossed into Georgia today! My fourteenth and final state. I must admit, I did get teary-eyed when I saw the sign marking the boundary between North Carolina and Georgia. My two home states. I'm home.

I took a long lunch break at the NC/GA sign, and was fortunate to run into Tao again! He is feeling much better, but unfortunately has to hike big-mile days because of his plans to finish on the 19th. We said our farewells, as it is likely I won't see him again. Thanks for the awesome memories, Tao! Hot Springs just won't be the same without you. 

I'm still in disbelief that this time next week, I will be back in the real world again. Updating my resume as I begin my search for a job. Driving my car through the streets, covering in 15 minutes what it typically took me all day to hike. Drinking water out of a faucet instead of out of a stream. Learning to pee in a toilet again instead of wherever and whenever I want. Aw, man...

But honestly, I simply cannot wait to wear normal clothing and sit in the nice, large recliner in the living room, relaxing as I  drink coffee and watch movies with my family. I'm excited for a real bed to sleep in, and for the opportunity to take a shower whenever I want to. It'll probably take about 20 showers in a row for my armpits to actually smell clean again, considering I haven't worn deodorant for 6 months now. 

But most of all, I'm excited to actually see my friends and family again. I'm excited to hit up the bar with Frantz and jam out to whatever live band is playing at The Hummingbird. I'm excited to drink wine and play the Pig game with Chelsea and Nate and catch up on old times. I'm excited to visit Melissa in her office and laugh until we cry as we reminisce on hilarious memories. I'm excited to see all of my favorite Mercer students and staff members again and walk across the beautiful campus that was my home for three incredible years. I'm excited to see Janelle and Katie and Ben and Peter and Brett and so many of my old friends again from all walks of life. I'm excited to celebrate Christmas with my wonderful family who has been so incredibly supportive and encouraging through this entire journey. One of the most important lessons that the Appalachian Trail has taught me is that it's the people in your life that turn your life's journey, your life's "trail", into an incredible and unforgettable experience. Without them, your trail is simply just another dirt path in the woods.

There are many things about the Appalachian Trail that I will miss. But that's enough reflection for now. I still have 70 miles to hike, after all. This journey isn't over quite yet.

Six more days. Onward we go.

-- Dirty Rotten Liar