Day One - Hawk Mountain

Early this morning Mike took the shuttle from the hostel along with about 20 other hikers to the beginning of the trail.  Everyone spreads out and hikes at their own pace so he was on his own for the eight or so miles to Hawk Mountain where he is stopping for the evening.  His new boots that he picked up at the Nantahala Outdoor Center are not giving him any problems and the weather was clear for a good first day of hiking.

He has his cell phone so a quick call provided me with an update.  So good to hear from him and know he's got a good start!

I'm keeping busy with work thought it feels like this sometimes. Being on my own, I'm indulging in movies on DVD.  I watched "Precious" last evening and have "A Serious Man" to watch tonight.  I may not hear from Mike now for several days as he goes out of the cell phone service area.  Stay tuned!

He's off

Mike's staying at the Hiker's Hostel outside of Dahlonega, Georgia tonight and they'll shuttle him to the start of the trail on Saturday.  The TC is all closed up until go back to join him...sometime after it hit 100 degrees here.

What does hiking the trail have to do with prospecting you may ask? Well, both are seeking adventure with a possibility of reward for a lot of hard work and perseverance.

Each day he'll hike between 8 and 12 miles to get to the next shelter for the night.  It's a solo trip, though he'll come across other hikers on the trail and at the shelters.  And he'll probably see some creatures too.  Keep him in your prayers.

(back of Mike hiking in California Lassen Park)

Waiting to begin

I came down with a bad cold Saturday and finally felt a little better yesterday.  Thank goodness for NyQuil!

Spring is here, the trees are leafing out and the lemons are ripe.  The lawn is green, though not all grass I'm afraid.  I'm waiting for the roses to start blooming after I cut them back last month.


Mike's been waiting to begin his hike until this Friday, visiting with the NC grand kids and the boys.  He's hooked up his VCube TV satellite receiver and is running off electric (thanks, Steve!) so he has all the comforts of home.  It's been raining and more is predicted for the weekend so the beginning of his hike could be pretty soggy.

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