Welcome to my blog.
Expect reflections on long distance hiking, hiking culture, nature, creativity and my undying love for backrests.
All tagged Appalachian Trail
What it’s like to be dry and smug while watching clouds scatter their showers over an exceptionally beautiful pastoral Virginia valley.
One of my favorite things to do on trail is to nearo into town and go splurge on a big breakfast, preferably with waffles, and some really good coffee.
Today, though, I woke up headachy and nauseous and wound up missing breakfast. No worries. I enjoyed my time in Marion, VA, a fine example of a trail town with all a hiker could need or want.
I’m at that awkward stage in my hike where I don’t know anyone and all the thru hikers ignore me, no doubt thinking I’m some lowly section hiker or, worse, just out for an overnight trip.
Today I started a 500 mile hike on the AT. I’ll hike from Grayson Highlands State Park, VA to Harper’s Ferry, WV. Just getting warmed up for something later on in the summer.
This morning I sat on top of Springer Mountain, remembering to appreciate the accomplishment of walking 539.3 miles, of completing something I set out to do.
I’m not gonna lie, y’all. I’m ready to do something else now. Something other than spend my entire day walking in the woods.
So today I became that hiker I usually try hard not to be. I became that hiker who puts her head down and churns out miles.
It wasn’t until I was bundled up in my sleeping bag at the end of the day, updating my log book, that I realized I’d crossed the last big threshold of this odyssey—the 500 mile mark.
The end really is in sight, now.
The climb up Tray Mountain reminds me of why I love hiking. And hate how zealous trail maintainers have become.
I decided to break my Stealth Site streak because I heard about a tent site perched on the edge of a rocky outcrop at the Tray Mountain Shelter. I love a rocky outcrop where I can sit and enjoy a view along with a cup of anti-inflammatory Turmeric Tea before dinner.
I crossed my final state line, today, and it was bittersweet.
The Stealth Site Maven continues her run of holding out for the perfect place to camp.
