Mile 164. (Zero day.) Writing day.

The lobby of the Fontana Inn resort is like walking into a warm hug. Plush leather chairs. Earthy stone fireplace. Exaggerated vaulted ceilings supported with hand-carved wooden beams. Ahhhh….

So far, I have covered 27,651 feet of elevation gain in the last 164 miles. This is 95% of Mt Everest.

By the time I reach Mt Katahdin in Maine, I will have accumulated vertical elevation equivalent to 16 Mt Everests.

My plan for today is to write. I have so many thoughts floating through my mind. A lifetime lived in just 16 days.

I also admit that I have a respectful fear of the Great Smoky National Park, which I will start tomorrow. 100% chance of cold, wet and steep with scattered bear warnings.

No doubt I can do it. I just need to convince myself of that fact.

I am a warrior. I am a warrior. I am a warrior.