My journey hike continues.  Since I had did my journey hike last year on the Alum Cave trail and had such a time with it, I decided I needed to return and do it again. Since that time I had discovered my leg that had given me so much trouble, had no pulse and I had a blockage. In April of this year I had two stints placed in the left iliac artery and one in the right. I started walking 2 to 3 mile a day to prepare for the hike. 

Reservations made for hike on the 14th of Sept. and back down the 15th. Walk in the Woods shuttle to drop my sister in law, Mary B and I off at the Alum trail head at 930. Weather was perfect, in fact after Eric of Walk in the Woods took our picture, it was warm so we zipped off our pants to shorts. No time at all we approached Arch Rock, then to Inspiration Point. Several hikers passed us at that point. A group of three guys were going to the top for the night and I told them to wait supper on me. Later we met on the deck of the dinning hall and 4 were brothers and born less than 12 mile from my home town. Small world. One brother and friend took another trail to meet at the top. 

Before reaching Inspiration Point, a fellow was hiking down and I recognized him from Ed’s web site as Ron Valentine. He had been to LeConte with the morning paper and was almost back down the trail. While looking at the Eye of Needle, we did see the other hole. Around the corner came Tim Line and I said, "Hey who’s watching the lodge?" He laughed and said the lodge was well taken care of. He was off for the day and was hiking out. 

Wasn’t long before we reached the bluff, rested and watched a boomer eating Carmel corn that someone had left for it. Okay ever onward. A group of 6 was behind us and could hear them having a good time, all the while thinking if they pass me I will be the last one in. They did pass and then I passed them and kept distance from them to stay ahead. 

Arrived at the lodge at 230. Checked in, bought t-shirt and then to the dinning hall for coffee and chit chat with fellow hikers. Food and fellowship again was wonderful. We are all there for the same reasons. The hike itself is terrific but the great time we have staying is another. Our dinner table friends, Pat and wife Jean, had made friends with Red and Audrey several years ago and have been meeting and hiking every year since. Red and Audrey celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with cake baked in the lodge kitchen, ordered by Pat and wife. 

Off to see the sunset. Jean brought bubbles at Cliff Top and what fun, not to mention the pretty sunset. Back to the lodge for more great conversation and we all called it a night around 9-930. We missed a great sunrise the next morning but I was saving energy for the trip down. It was 62 degrees the morning of the 15th. The views down were spectacular. The picture of the blue flower and Ed could probably tell you what it is called, I believe according to Vesna of Walk in the Woods is very rare. Gentian, wrong spelling but not sure where my wildflower book is. Anyway it was so pretty and bright blue. 

Met two fellows at the bluff that were from England, they had hiked 35 mile of the AT. What they really wanted to do was repel the bluff. I said I had not heard anybody doing it and figured it wasn't allowed. I tried talking them into going to the top and they started out but not sure if they went all the way or not. After getting back to Arch Rock, I could have sworn they moved the parking lot, but made it and ate lunch while waiting for our ride back to town. What a beautiful hike. Although my heart isn't as heavy as last year, and that my husband is still in my heart and he was with me every step of the way The hikes and mountains get in your blood, they are everything. Every expression, every step, thought, sight, sounds, you make lasting memories in your mind of God's beautiful creation. My journey continues.