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Change: Fear vs Reward
When all thing changed.
4/1/2015
Three days ago my hike took a dramatic turn. My hiking cousin went back home to Minnesota. That morning was spent in a rush for me and my husband, trying to get me back on the trail at Rock Gap, NC. I was desperately trying to find some people I had met the last couple of days so I could continue on with them. I hiked 14 miles in 5 hours slackpacking toward Wayah Bald. Every person I passed I would ask the same question, “Have you seen Rock Steady, he hikes with bamboo poles”. I received various answers throughout the day. At Winding Stair Gap, someone told me that the group was 2 hours ahead. Hearing that, was a little disheartening.
Oh where, oh where, could they be?
My steps slowed around 3 pm, until I met a woman on the trail who showed me her map to Wesser Bald. I would be meeting my husband there to retrieve my backpack. I had 4 miles to go. I also knew a mile beyond this bald was the shelter, my new friends could be there. With renewed energy I continued on.
A new hike begins.
A few minutes before I arrived at the Wesser Bald parking lot, unknown to me, my husband Tom had arrived. It was great to see him after such a trying day. We discussed what I should do next and we agreed, that I should continue my hike. I have the most wonderful husband I know in the world. With a big hug and a kiss goodbye, I headed into the great unknown.
Thank you Rainbow for taking my picture.
I haven’t regretted our decision. Instead of letting fear of the unknown rule the day, I have let the beauty of the trail, my fellow hikers and especially my family, help me see the rewards of this incredible journey. Amazing things are happening and amazing things will continue to happen as long as I do my part. Hike on fellow travellers, hike on.
Fireman hauled these socks 5 miles thinking were mine. They must have been forgotten by a hiker before me. I took a pictureof them before I left just because.
An update: I will no longer be posting on the Sisu Sistahood Facebook page. You can only follow my hike here or on my personal Facebook page. Thank you everyone for your support, words cannot adequately express how very important to that support has been to me.
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Comments 7
Hike on Jill!!!
Sorry you lost your partner, but good for you in your choice to carry on. Hoping you’ll find new crew to bond with. Cheering for you in spirit!!
The trail has been finding me people…starting tomorrow with Spirit. She is an amazing person.
I’m glad you’re not quitting! I love reading the updates! Keep on going, we’re right there with you!
Thank you so much!!!!
Jill, it’s Matt from the best western in Helen that rode up with you to unicoi. Sad to hear your cousin had to go home but it’s awesome to hear you are continuing your hike. Good luck ma’am and don’t forget to flatten those hills for me next year 😉
Thanks Matt so good to hear from you! I forgot my rolling pin, but I will do my best to flatten them. Good luck next year! Keep in touch.