Day 30, Thursday, October 1, 2020
Cosby Knob Shelter to Peck’s Corner Shelter
Mile 313.6
Miles Hiked: 13.4
Today I saw a ranger on the trail.
I’d been wondering if anyone actually worked here in the Smokies.
He told me he was out for two nights, picking up trash and checking privies since there’d been no ridge runners out this year.
I told him all about my BMT/AT Figure 8 project, obviously not a thru-hiker.
I forgot I was supposed to be keeping it on the down low since I stretched the truth when I got a Thru-Hiker permit.
Then he asked me if I’d bothered to get a permit.
GULP.
I’m sure I blanched just before I vigorously nodded my head, mind whirling with excuses and justifications and feigned shock.
But then, god love him, he said, “I won’t make you dig it out or anything.”
And I was on my way, committed to keeping my story to myself, at least when I stop to talk to anyone in a uniform with a big bag of trash dangling off their pack.
Later, I sat in the sun at the helipad, never getting completely warm.
Lots of backpackers on the trail today, all lugging enormous packs, reminding me of the days when my own pack towered over my head and contained all the comforts of home.
No more.
Traveling light IS my comfort.