Return to Quantum Sanity--Redemption on the AT
Bluff Mountain beckons. But first, breakfast in Hot Springs, NC.
“As ever, the question is the same: What will you do with your days? ”
What will I do with my days? I will hike.
I will do what it takes to stay healthy and stay on the trail.
I will learn from my mistakes, adjust where necessary and remember that I don’t hike to get somewhere. I hike to be somewhere.
And sometimes I will hike to prove to myself that I can still hike.
That’s why I returned to the AT in October 2023. To show myself that these nomadic days that I love are still within my grasp.
After a frustrating season trying and failing to hike the CDT, not once, but twice, I didn’t want to wait another year to try again. The AT made sense since it’s geographically and logistically desirable. If 2023 was going to be the year of failure, it would be easy enough to get home if I failed again.
Also, the AT in the south in October? Bellissimo!
First night on the trail. So far, sooooooooo goooooooood!
I would start in Grayson Highlands State Park and hike south as far as I could or as far as I wanted to go.
I had a beach trip planned for November, so I would stop by October 31 regardless.
I made it to the north end of the Smokies, 260 miles, enough to know I’ve still got it, y’all!
I get to spend more days hiking.
Yay!
All that’s left to do is start planning for 2024.
