February 2, 2008

Today’s miles: 3.0 on bike

I got picked up just post sunrise at the highway 12 and road intersection by Steven of Sparta. He bought me a coffee at the McDonalds drivethru, and we talked about the AT (he’s a sectionhiker and maybe future thruhiker).

We arrived at the meeting center, in Bur-Mil Park about 45 minutes early, so I got a chance to meet and greet a lot of people before the meeting began – including the guidebook clutching Harry O, eager to begin his MST hike. I talked to hikers Lee Price, Jeff Brewer, Allen DeHart, and Bruce Wisely. It was really interesting experience – we had a meeting and catered lunch, and all kinds of presentations. The meeting proceeded very step-wise. I wanted to stand up and shout, “But what about campsites and water sources!?” but I understand that although as a thruhiker I am thinking about the logistics of my experience, they are focusing on getting trails built and mission statements written. Nevertheless, it was inspiring to see so many people behind the organization, and have so many hands to shake and names and business cards handed to me “just in case” or “when you’re passing through”. The best moment may have been when they all got a good laugh at my expense, because I get to pass through wreckage from the ice storm in this next section.

After the meeting, Amelia and Salam made it to the center and we drove to Boone, to stay with their friends Kristen and Dan.