Breath Taking Views and Shelter Chatter

The Battle with the Pack
After hiking a 109 miles things are starting to come together.  I have developed a routine that is starting to work for me.  My morning battles with my pack are starting to lose, instead of packing and repacking, everything now has a home.  It’s funny because if an item is not it’s usual place things just don’t feel right.  I am still carrying 36 pounds,  whereas many fellow hikers are down to 25 or so.  I am still trying to figure out what I may be able to ditch but I’m not there yet.

Good bye Georgia

The Views

Georgia is the first state to complete.  It felt like a huge success.   I’m one state closer to my husband, my kids and my friends.    In the past, I  often wondered why people would live in Georgia but that was clearly my ignorance.  It’s breathtaking and not to mention the people.  They are so kind and extremely concerned about taking care of every hiker.
So I leave Georgia by saying thank you.  Thank you for sharing your views, your food, your encouraging words, and for maintaining your part of the trail.  God bless you all!

Continues Chatter

The chatter in my first shelter

At first the chatter was all in my head.  The first seven days I was in so much pain I had no energy to give to anyone.  Of course, I could give a quick “Hello” but that was it.  Totally weird for me because I love talking to people.  My “Self Chatter” was much needed.  I needed to tell my blisters that they were not going to win this battle.  And thank God, they are healing and I can now use my energy elsewhere.
The chatter in the shelter this  night of  the storm was so fun.  The pouring rain, crazy wind, and rain forced 20 people to land in this 8 by 10 wooden structure. The conversations were different.  It included such things such as which “tree we should choose for our bear bags”  since we were in major bear territory.   ““How many miles had been trekked,”  What was on the menu which consisted of peanut butter or dry tuna.”” It was great,  no one talked about jobs, work, or tv.  The simplicity of the chatter was great, just the necessities to maintain  strength through food, sleep, staying warm while watching the storm do it’s thing.  The mice were a bit challenging and two of my shelter mates Professor and Frog were quite concerned.
There are viruses that these little guys can spread to humans.   I was impressed and proud of Professor and Frog they both survived the rodents with a smile on their face.  In 8 hours morning will break and the trail will see my feet again, but for now this is home!

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Comments 2

  • pearwood : Mar 20th

    Thanks, Ms Loon!
    I share your thoughts and impressions of Georgia. But, oh, do they take their rain seriously!
    Blessings on your way,
    Steve

    Reply
  • Taylor Mahatcek : Mar 25th

    Hello Ms.Loon, My husband is the gentlemen who gave you and your two friends a ride back to the the trail from robinsville, he said the three of you where very nice, and he was non stop talking about all of yall, then he was very excited to to find out the picture yall took together will be on your blog you told him about, so we look forward to seeing that and more as you continue your trek. We pray you have a safe trek and we look forward to staying updated with your journey.

    Reply

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