A week or so ago it came to me that perhaps the feelings of the spouse or partner of one who goes away for a time--such as a six-month hike of the Appalachian Trail--go through various stages much like the stages of grief.  As Jim was leaving and the week or so afterwards I think I was very stressed with the many things to do and my ambivalence about him leaving.  I also realized that I was somewhat numb.  While I could see his excitement, I also felt angry that he was leaving for this period of time, with many, many things hanging for me to do or complete.  I felt scared. Then for about a week, I felt mostly sadness.  So many things seemed to trigger this.  As I kept up my "journey" here, I moved into more peace and acceptance (getting the dog fence working again, after about two and a half weeks of on-going problem-solving, was a major boost!)  I bring myself back to the moment and living THIS DAY in a way that honors God, myself, and all the people with which I am involved.  This is a part of my spiritual journey, and I choose to embrace is with acceptance and  with honoring all that comes up. It is Saturday, and I turn over and embrace the possibility of this day.  From breakfast, reading, prayer, and writing....to a long walk.

Jim is in the midst of a long stretch in the Great Smokeys.  Mark prepared a great mailing with food for a seven day stretch, when places to buy food wouldn't be available.  When I called Jim early Thurday morning and actually got him, not his voice mail, he said he was eating breakfast in Gatlinburg, TN!  He said he smelled so badly that he talked a couple hiking buddies into going into Gatlinburg for a night and a bath.  I said, "Well, I bet they didn't smell too good either, Jim...." to which he replied, "But I was bothering me!  I couldn't stand myself."  Doesn't that sound like Jim? So, he was a happy man--a bath, clean clothes, and a good meal.

Jim said he had a meaningful Passover meal with his friend, Larry, and three other people with things Mark had thoughtfully mailed to him.  Sunday he hiked alone and enjoyed it, I think.  Took many pictures and made some calls to family.

He thought he would beat Hot Springs Tuesday rather than Monday.

Dear Family, Neighbors, and Friends,

I've been a busy bee since getting home from leaving Jim and Mark on Spring Mountain in Georgia on 3/31/08!  Perhaps I can write more about that later.  It took a week for me to get my user name and password straightened out, along with other challenges....but slow and steady wins the race, doesn't it--as well as help people hike the AT?  Mark says Jim is using this approach...and it is working.

Mark and Jim had a great time hiking together.  Jil went up to spend the night on Wednesday, 4/8 and bring Mark home.  Mark looks just wonderful and wishes he could hike the whole thing!  He was very sad to leave Jim. 

Jim left a message for me yesterday, saying that it had begun snowing on Sunday and that the snow was beautiful!  He said that he wished I were there with him, of course, to see it!  I know many of you have been concerned about the weather.  He sounded good, however, and I am reminded that his sleeping bag was good for down to minus degrees. 

I am attaching an Excel version of Jim's hiking schedule that his good friend, Eric, modified a bit so that we can make changes as Jim goes along.  I didn't try to modify/check it but will just go ahead and attach.  It's pretty up to date.  I'll fine tune it as he goes along. He'll be in NC for another week or so.

All for now.