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Day 20: The Earth Expedition
Wow. The Smokies are fantastic....since I left on the expedition everything has been dead due to the drought that have been going on here for the past couple of years but the Smoky Mountains have been like another world of green plant and trees that I have never seen before. 
I am doing very well, I am just over 200 miles into The Earth Expedition and I feel I could sit for hours over a cup of coffee and share the experiences that I have had already. I thumbed a ride down to Cherokee, N.C. where I am sitting in the library catching up on e-mails and updates. I rocked a Hardees breakfast this morning and I am on my way to the post office , grocery, and then back up to the trail to walk another 3 miles to the shelter where my friends Josh and Trixie are meeting me tonight. I had to drop down into town because my metabolism is ridiculous! I am eating so much food. For example I bought a jar of Chunky Peanut Butter and it only took me 36 hours to finish it off. Forget the crackers... I am eating straight out of the jar! So that is the reason I am in town...because I ran out of food.... I had to bum a meal off of Josh and Trixie last night. I have been living off of Larabars for the past 3 days (I have eaten 18 of them over the past 72 hours..yes I said 18!)
Things are going well... I am hiking fast which means that I am not usually hiking with anyone in particular but I do keep running into the same group of about 10-15 guys and gals every 2-3 days. One of the Ridge-Runners Jim (A Ridgerunner hikes sections of the Appalachian Trail, meets and greets hikers, provides Trail brochures and literature to inform visitors about the A.T. and its intended primitive experience, its location, regulations, and traditions. They take steps to encourage the best behavior on the part of hikers, to facilitate a positive Trail experience (particularly for those who are poorly prepared), and to elicit the support of Trail neighbors and those who live nearby, but who may not understand or use the Trail properly. RidgeRunners, by their presence, discourage and mitigate misuse of the Appalachian Trail and its environs by performing educational and public relations functions.(Wikipedia) Told me that 150 thru-hikers left Amacalola Falls on March 16th. This means that there is a huge wave of thru-hikers behind me. I am not too worried for the ridge-runner also told me that 2/3 of Thru-hikers quit by the time they reach the Smoky Mountains. The A.T. is not for everyone J
 I am feeling great and in good spirits. My legs are in good condition....I wish I could say the same for a lot of my hiking friends. My mental and spiritual state are extremely well also.
I wanted to Thank you all who are supporting me financially. It is people like you who help make this possible. You are helping save lives in Africa. I also want to thank you who are supporting me with e-mails of encouragement. They are fuel that helps keep me going. Thank you!
Sorry so short but I have got to get going so I have time to hit the Post Office, Grocery, and thumb my way 20 miles back up the mountain where I will stay the night in the mice infested shelters...Hey.. I am not complaining...I will take all of the extra warmth I can get!
"Life to the Fullest" Daren
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