My grandson Jack had an idea for a podcast and I wanted to assist him and provide encouragement. (The link is found below.) It sounded like a good way to answer the many questions people have asked of me. I suggested I could be his first guest. So we went into the studio and recorded … Continue reading Jack ponders life finally online
Author: paonthetrail
Music on the Trail
I've had some pretty serious blogs about the journey to this point. This time I'd like to have some fun! Often the quiet peace of nature is what I seek. Other times conversation with others can fill the lonely hours in a vast wilderness. And yes there will be plenty of time to mix in some music to restore … Continue reading Music on the Trail
#1 Reason / A Pilgrimage
I hesitate to call this journey a pilgrimage. There is the adventure and challenge aspect, along with hopes and expectations of friendship and trail community. Yet most assuredly there is a spiritual significance to this hike. When I first started planning, my hopes were to duplicate what what I'd experienced on shorter ventures into the … Continue reading #1 Reason / A Pilgrimage
# 2 Mindfullness
Disclaimer: Before I get into this I would like to say that Mindfulness is a very broad topic and has many levels in which it is taught and practiced. I am a beginner and my views and statements reflect my limited experience. Mindfulness began as part of the teachings of the Buddha centuries ago. In … Continue reading # 2 Mindfullness
#3 Relationships
I was still 5 years from my planned retirement. I dared to think about it. What would I do? There were 5 things that came to mind. The trail was one of the items on the list. Four of them could wait, The trail could not! It had fervently become meaningful and necessary. Who knows … Continue reading #3 Relationships
#4 The Adventure
Originally these were just a scribbling of notes and ideas to develop into an essay. Maybe I was just lazy but they mostly just came out this way. Stepping off into the woods now, no turning back striding steadily toward sunset and sleep Waking up with anticipation of sights and sounds as yet unknown A … Continue reading #4 The Adventure
My 5 Reasons to Hike the Trail
#5 Challenge notes: Uphills and downhills, steep and long In pouring rain and blowing wind, a daily search for water,sleep and calories sweat and dirt, damp. wet clothes, aching muscles seek the end of day Quickly pitch the tent and filter water prepare and eat the daily special Time for bed and needed rest Then … Continue reading My 5 Reasons to Hike the Trail
End of Last Gear Test
Waking up in the early morning darkness I heard Frank in his tent organizing gear. Today would take us 7 or 8 miles to Hot Springs and the end of my planned test hikes. The threat of bad weather passed with the storm, leaving potentially the best hiking conditions I've yet experienced. I lingered comfortably … Continue reading End of Last Gear Test
Last Gear Test
Max Patch to Hot Springs Part 2 The rain chased by the wind was gone by morning. Only puffs of clouds remained, each one traveling fast towards Max Patch. The sun hidden behind a ridge brightened the morning sky with the promise of a better day. For the moment the cold remained so I decided … Continue reading Last Gear Test
Last Gear Test
Max Patch to Hot Springs NC. part 1 First of all I'd like to thank Frank Harrison for partnering with me to do this hike.He has a wealth of experience having completed the AT in 1990. It was enormously beneficial to talk with him about his hike. The thought process and resulting decisions each … Continue reading Last Gear Test
Pa on the Trail 