Civilization

Although it feels weird and I have a burning to get out and walk, I think it is good for me to have this time off from the trail. It is a little disruptive to the flow and the people with whom I was hiking, but I am getting nutrients I don't normally get on the trail as well as good sleep! This will give me an idea of how life will be after the trail as well. Lucky for me, I live in Colorado where if I am itching to hike I have mountains to climb!
Today, I woke up, used the flush toilet device versus the bushes, and went back to my sleeping bag. The hard part of civilization is no more breakfast in bed. Hardcore hiker taught me the joy of breakfast in bed on the trail. Basically, you retrieve your food bag and remain in your sleeping bag while eating breakfast. It is a nice feeling, and I tried to get breakfast in bed from Dana & Darrell this morning, but it did not work.
One thing I have been learning up here is that things are really expensive compared to the Trail towns and the south. I looked at buying broccoli yesterday at Kroger and it was crazy priced way too high for my liking. Dinner out in downtown AnnArbor last night was extremely expensive as well. Mike and I could have eaten for the price I paid just for my food. Granted, I am eating more these days, but I had an appetizer, plate meal, dessert, and 2 beers and it was $35. I suppose that does not seem unreal to many living in the real world on a normal basis, but on the trail, there are many restaurants that serve healthy portions for good prices. I think the most I have spent on food in a trail town thus far has been $20. Usually, there are all you can eat(AYCE) buffets which many thru-hikers try to close down. I think it was because the place we went to last night was an Irish Pub in downtown AnnArbor. It was nice to hang out with friends.
Still looking forward to getting back to the trail. My itching for the trail is as strong this far away from the trail as it is when I take days off along the trail. I think I will be reducing days off along the trail as I travel north. We will see. Trail lore has it the New England States lack the Southern Hospitality we are experiencing right now. We will see. I was also told Virginia was flat!
Stay tuned for news on the wedding and my travels back to the trail as well as my 2weeks with my mother-in-law. I look forward to those meeting me along the trail and am eager to return to my adventures. Everyday, I feel the changes the trail is providing in my life and hope to embrace the many to come. I love my family and friends greatly and look forward to the celebration of my friend, Dana's marriage to Darrell.
Thank you all for the continued support and love. It makes the trail much easier to endure at times. I also thank those looking over my husband while I am out here. He is my lifeline and without him, I would be lost. During the marriage of Dana & Darrell, I will be thinking of my own marriage and how lucky I am to have such a wonderful man to support me on this crazy journey of self discovery. Thank you my love! You are with me always despite the distance. I love you lots!