Five Weeks on the Trail; Virginia, Here I Come

What have I learned…

Miles are coming easier and faster, but it’s smiles not miles.

I’m still excited to see what’s around every turn.

I look less at my map and apps and let mountains and gaps surprise me.

I still feel small on the AT.

Angels are real and amazing people are everywhere.

The beauty of nature never gets old.

The stars are brighter at 2 a.m. ( Thanks, bladder.)

On tight switchbacks the guy behind me has bad BO.

When you dance the state line of North Carolina and Tennessee, if the shelter has a privy—it’s North Carolina.

I still like going uphill better, but what goes up, does come down.

Talking about food is both insane and nice. When you walk miles you get fixated on what you’ll order in four days for dinner. Thanks, but I don’t need a menu.

The weathermen have the same track record in every state.

Walking north into spring allows me to see the planet wake up with renewal. Singing songbirds welcome us and flowers just show off their finest attributes. Can’t wait for the redbuds and dogwoods.

Your camera can’t do justice to the true beauty of what you see.

The trail will provide. Ask any hiker.

Trail towns are true Americana.

Hot showers are better than ever imagined.

Winter is a reluctant season and doesn’t fade easily.

Hug the trail. It’s a long way down.

Calories don’t count.

Putting on wet socks and cold clothes first thing in the morning confirms you’re alive.

My feet appreciate cold water more than I do.

My 400-mile marker.

It’s not rude to answer when questioned if you’re trying to hike to Maine. No sir, I AM hiking to Maine!

 

Me, Lucky, and Co-op.

 

Spring is in the air.

 

So many beautiful waterfalls.

 

Lucky, me, and my longtime friend Mark, who picked us up and opened his home to us. We enjoyed our third zero day with Mark.

 

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Comments 2

  • Jan : Mar 26th

    You’ve made me a true “VICARIOUIST” (new word?) I anxiously await your next post

    Reply
  • Theresa Kimmel : Mar 26th

    Your photos are fantastic. Keep them coming.

    Reply

What Do You Think?