Zero Day

Finding food is amazing

Zero? Who Needs a Zero?I had heard of “Zero” days but I don’t think I truly understood the full meaning.  I have quickly put my own definition to the word, which is  “Heaven on earth”.  After I hiked 50 or so miles it’s almost impossible to think about anything else except the next, “Zero”.  Usually,  this means every muscle gets to rest for 24 hours.    No movement is a beautiful thing!    But before this stillness,  a few things have to take place.

First, I have to get a ride into a town.    I was always told as a youngster not to pick up hitch hikers because they are scary people.  Well guess what, now I am one of those scary people.  It’s interesting, some people give a slight wave, which in my mind means, “I see you but I don’t dare to stop.”  I then have noticed the person that totally ignores me and looks straight ahead.  I totally get it, I don’t know if I would pick me up.  Then, I  have what I call my “God” moments.  People stop. With a happy heart an offer to give me a ride erupts.  My first words are, “God bless you and I’m sorry if I stink!”

At the end of a long week of hiking these rides are worth so much, physically, mentally and spiritually.  Each ride so far has been just another form of “Trail angel.”

Early morning ride to the trail head

Fully Dependent on a Kind Soul 

Relying  on these people to open up their vehicle doors is such a weird feeling.  My parents always raised me not to take a ride from strangers or food.  Sorry mom and dad, I will eat any food that anyone offers me and I will gladly except a ride.  Personally, it is a bit of an odd feeling.  I’ve always looked at people who are hitch hikers as so called, “Scary people”.  Therefore,  I would never consider letting  them get in my vehicle.  Now,  I am one of those “Scary” people practically jumping on the hood of a car for a ride.  What has this AT done to me, I guess miles more will tell.

Thank you Mr. Florida Dude

As I’m standing on the side of the road with my thumb up I first pray.  I even text a friend and ask for pray that a nice ride will come along.  Many thoughts are racing, “ I need food, and I have no energy to take another step but who would pick me up?”  As I stand there I think, “ Would I pick me up?”

This one ride was from a guy who is building a small house and has plans to do the AT next year.  It was fun to talk to him.  He said he moved to the country so he and his wife can raise their young son in the mountains.  I call him my Florida Dude ride and I hope his house comes together well for his family.

Sharing a precious story  

Gatlinburg coffee trail angels

This ride was amazing in so many ways.  First, I needed food but the closest store was in Gatlinburg which was 16 miles away.  While standing at the curb with my thumb up vehicles passed by.  One truck stuck out, I saw a woman drinking a coffee.  I thought, “Wow, she is drinking coffee.”  I quickly realized I didn’t fit into their morning drive.  Minutes later, the same truck came back my way and beautiful words flew out the window.  I hopped in and generic chatter followed, but then something remarkable happened.  The mom, (I don’t know her name) shared that two weeks prior they had lost their two year old daughter due to a basic, simple tonsil removal surgery.
It was obvious their hearts were tender.  It was an honor to have her share how her little girl always wanted things in two.  She didn’t want just one cookie, it was always two, two, two with all things.

After her death her parents made the decision to donate her organs.  I was informed that this little girl has now saved “Two” other lives because of her generosity.    Please pray for this couple because their dream now is to one day meet these two children who are thriving with life because of their little angel.  I will just say, God is good in all situations!

There are good people

As I sit and take my zero today,  I will reflect on the kindness that people have shown me.  I didn’t and don’t deserve it but they gave it to me anyway.  I will be resting yet not forgetting how these acts of love helped me at a crucial time.  “Kindness” is an amazing trait to pass along, and I hope I can do it as well as these people.
The laundry will dry, my belly will be stuffed beyond, and my zero will be much appreciated as I prep for the trail tomorrow!