Day 4-7

Georgia can be summarized in one word: HOT!  At times it feels like I'm walking in the Amazon it's so humid. The air is pregnant with water, saturated and heavy. It should have rained way more than it has, but it doesn't really matter. Even in the sun things stay wet. Walking in the rain is a welcome respite from the heat.

Over the last few days, I have been hiking with a group of trail friends. We may not necessarily hike together, but we always end up at the same shelter at the end of the day. I love the camaraderie in this group. We range in age from 22-65, come from all over the country, and each bring our own perspectives of life to the conversations. Four of us are thru-hiking while others are out for a few weeks. It doesn't matter because we share the common pull of the trail that won't let us go. 

I am almost done with the Georgia section already. Hopefully by end of day Tuesday (May 23) I will be in NC and coming upon familiar territory. Home. I am excited.  

For tonight, though, the Grady family has once again graciously taken this smelly hiker in, fed me, let me do laundry, let me wear their clothes made me feel like a new person. I notice generosity much more than previously. Nothing is taken for granted, even the cap to your water bottle. Katie is cooking this amazing curry, Toby brought me two veggie burgers when he picked me up, and the kids supply smiles and laughs that will fuel my spirit for days.  

Dinner will be solid as will the conversationthat follows. I set out to finish Georgia in the morning, amidst a downpour if the weather guy is right, but rain on the trail sure beats anything else.