I usually awaken each morning in darkness but remain in my sleeping bag until I sense first light. I could tell the temperatures had dropped significantly overnight. I stayed inside my warm bag for another hour. It was 9:00 o'clock before I had eaten breakfast and packed up. Not a great start but today though … Continue reading A full day of experiences, interactions and decisions
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
A journal of the planning as well as the hike itself. Relating the sights and emotional highs and lows with words and pictures.
Hallelujah, On the Trail again…
I have faced several setbacks on my Appalachian Trail adventure. Nevertheless I haven't been deterred in the least bit. In fact amazing things have taken place in my life despite the disappointments. My eyes and mind have remained on why I started in the first place. All my goals are still in front of me … Continue reading Hallelujah, On the Trail again…
Smoky Mountain Retreat
Hopefully I'll be on trail soon. This stopping and starting is not what I had planned. I'll admit it has shaken my confidence a little. But I've got two things in my favor. One is, I don't give up easy. My old basketball Coach used to say "Winners never quit and quitters never win". I'm … Continue reading Smoky Mountain Retreat
How do I think this hike will be different?
I was having lunch with a friend and hiker the other day. A question was proposed as to what I think might be different this time around? Immediately I thought of what gear changes were planned, trail conditions, diet, and weather. All the physical things. I could tell by her expression that I hadn't understood … Continue reading How do I think this hike will be different?
It’s time to go hiking again!
I have to be honest. This has been a great summer. The disappointment of leaving the trail was put to rest rather quickly. Thanks to the encouragement I received from all my friends. I also think my focus on mindfulness helped. I left the negative thoughts behind and focused on the experience of living on … Continue reading It’s time to go hiking again!
Highlights and health report
My foot is healing and if I have no further issue I plan to be on the trail early September. Due to the season winding down and no chance to make Maine this year, a new option is shaping up going forward. I will star where my daughters dropped me off last April. Heading southbound … Continue reading Highlights and health report
Why am I off the Trail and What’s the Plan Now?
Virginia is rocky at times That's where I started that morning I guess a better question is could I have continued? I probably could have but for how long? Other things besides my feet were also flowing through my thoughts. I had lost 30 lbs. I didn't feel bad but others had noticed and had … Continue reading Why am I off the Trail and What’s the Plan Now?
50 miles to Harpers ferry
The decision had been made to return home, recover and take care of some scheduled dental work as well as process what I had experienced. That will be in my next post. Harpers Ferry lay ahead and I was excited to reach this historic town. It also is home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. I … Continue reading 50 miles to Harpers ferry
Shenandoah finish plus a fork in the road
Big Meadows to Skyland Resort and then Luray Va. 8 miles. This was another disappointing change of plans that in the end made sense. I ha d been told to take only 2 or3 days food into Shenandoah. The idea being that there were restaurants along the way to supplement and resupply opportunities at the … Continue reading Shenandoah finish plus a fork in the road
Shenandoah National Park
Part 1 First of all I'd like to say Waynesboro is a great town. Food, history, and friendly to hikers. Had a great time! Ming's Chinese Buffet did not disappoint. Leaving Waynesboro you enter the Shenandoah National Park. We got a late start but only had 7.5 miles to Calf Mountain Shelter. The weather was … Continue reading Shenandoah National Park
