Confessions of an overweight backpacker

1. Carried enough spices for a month.
2. Packaging packages (bags in bags) weighs a lot.
3. You can either be comfortable camping or hiking, not both. Nancy is ready to be comfortable hiking now.
4. 10 extra carribeaners just in case is not worth it.
5. I can wear underwear on my head if it is too cold, I don't need my cold weather hat.
6. My organizational skills were great, but it made my backpack complex and heavy. I know, many of you figured this out before I did...
7. Too many bells and whistles on the pack make a lot of noise but not a lot of sense.
8. Placing items in a secret compartment still adds weight.
9. ANYTHING not being used is TOO heavy and not needed. Nancy finally understands backpacking.

Happenings:
6/12 Discovered that the water bottle owner was a lady named Patty who Craig dubbed the trail name Waterfall. Met Waterfall and Mike a few times along the trail including Rocky Top TN (just like the song). A hiker had his socks drying on the rock so Craig said it must be socky top. Stayed at Derrick Knob shelter.
6/13 Went to Clingmans dome. Young men were intringed with our backpacking stories as this was their first time, they sought us out just to talk. It is odd to realize we were fast becoming knowledgable of backpacking and people are often approaching us with questions. Stayed at Mt Collins shelter.
6/14 Went to Charlies Bunion which was a beautiful and scary view. Brave kids were standing on the edge of the bunion rock. Stopped at Newfound gap and met an Arkansas couple who made us sandwiches and gave us chips and brownies. Stayed at Pecks corner shelter and met Bill who said the kilt idea was genious.
6/15 Record 20 mile day to Davenport Gap shelter because desired shelter was closed due to bear activity. Nancy desires to hike the section she missed and Craig agreed to redo it. Need to find a way to get there after Hot Springs. Someone called Nancy True Grit for her determined long hike with injuries.
6/16 Pat and Dennis were going to pick us up at the Standing Bear Farm where Kayenta was staying. To our mutual surprise while we were hiking to the farm on the trail which was on the road, Pat and Dennis drove up beside us and gave us a ride the rest of the mile to the farm. Decided to stay with Pat and Dennis for an extra day while Nancy recovered (calf issue). Craig's uncle Ted suggested the name Crazy Calf.
6/17 Toured dowtown Dandridge. Craig attempted to waterski and got up briefly before wiping out a few times.
6/18 Nancy wind surfed a little. Went to Knoxville.