Stew says: I have been meaning to write since I got off the trail, but it has been difficult to put my emotions into words. It was extremely difficult to leave the AT after only two weeks. We left Hiawassee with high hopes but it became evident within a couple of hours that my left knee wasn't getting better and it seemed futile to try and continue. We pushed on with plans to make it into Franklin but obviously my morale was low. The coming rain didn't help. After doing three soaking wet miles, and staying in a crowded shelter, my last day on the trail ended up being (in my opinion) our most beautiful day of hiking. With a blanket of clouds surrounding us and some interesting terrain, it felt like we were walking through some exotic rain Forrest. That is until we were greeted by a little dog in the middle of the trail that belonged to a trail angel making pancakes and coffee. From there we got a ride from an interesting local down the mountain and into Franklin. I am extremely grateful to my mother, not only for driving to NC to pick me up, but also for staying a day to allow Tara and I some time before our separation. After a nice day in town, we climbed into the car along with our trail friends BC and Black Beard and headed back up the mountain. There was never any question that if something happened to me, Tara would continue on. But, watching her throw her pack on and take off down the trail, as I walked back to the car, was very very hard for me. I am very proud of Tara as I know many people are, and one of the reasons I love her is because she is strong and independent, and certainly not afraid to do anything on her own. I don't know when she will be able to do a blog entry now that I have the iPhone, but I look forward to hearing from her along with everyone else. Last we talked she was doing well and enjoying herself. For me, it is bittersweet to be here in Ar. It's always nice to see my family, and they have been wonderful, but I can't help but feel like I belong out there. I only got a taste of what the AT is like, but even with an injury, it is an extremely enjoyable experience. The knee has been feeling much much better and I have plans to go test it out on some rough terrain in the local area. I'm very hopeful and look forward to returning to the trail and my partner Eugene.