Day 0: The Drive

We determined that we would all meet around 9:00 am at the church that we had all grown up in, Grace Brethren, in Westerville, Ohio. The fun begins as we begin to arrive at about 9:15 am (lateness is typical of Grace Brethren attendees) and start to remember all of the past wilderness trips and the fun we had during them. Many favorite movies begin to be quoted as we start to pack the Suburban full of our equipment. Finally we're on the road and joking about each other because we really don't have much tact and relish any chance to slam on one another. On our way down the outerbelt around Columbus, we see signs for 70 E (our intended destination). Accidentally I take the 70 W exit ramp, and thus begins our ill-fated journey as it takes us and extra 20 minutes to get to the next exit and turn the van around. As we get nearer to my Aunt Trudy and Uncle Kim's beautiful log cabin, seven hours later, we begin to pass more and more landmarks that I have seen year after year when I go to Tennessee to visit my relatives. One road, that I am particularly fond of, has about 5 different families, all related to me in one way or another living on it. Of course, my so-called friends pick up on this right away and begin to mention West Virginia blood lines, Deliverance, and a slew of other inbred comments. But once we arrive at my Aunt and Uncle's house they immediately taken by the beautiful log cabin they live in and the picturesque scenery surrounding it. That night we slept VERY well and awoke rested and ready to tackle anything. My aunt made some of the most delicious pancakes and we discussed how we would get onto the Trail that morning. Thus begins Day 1.