Started hiking from Blue Mountain and made it to Tray Gap where I got a ride into Hiawasee to take a zero day tomorrow. This brings me to 57 miles on this epic adventures. My feet still have 4 blisters and they are slowing me down. Hiawasee looks like a great town and people here are very down to earth. I'll re-supply tomorrow and get back on the trail on Thursday morning. Just as well since they are scheduling 28 degree weather tomorrow night. No thank you since I only have a 30 degree sleeping bag.

I've always believed that life itself may be meaningless, but you give it meaning when you begin making important choices. These, in turn, reveal who you are. With freedom of choice, however, comes responsibility. Taking ownership of your decisions means not blaming your parents, your spouse, your teachers or anyone else for the shape of your life. More responsibility brings greater freedom. And with it: hope. This hike shows me this is true every day. The choices I make day to day to take care of my body and being smart will sustain me. I might not get there in record time, but the curve in the road is not the end of the road, unless you fail to make the turn.

Hike on... Faceplant out.