Cherish Everything 

I haven’t updated since Bonnaroo! There has been so much that has happened since then, where do I begin?

I’ve completed the Shenandoahs and made it to Harpers Ferry, the unofficial half way point on the Appalachian Trail. I got my picture taken at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. I met and worked for Ron Clark owner of the general store in Harpers Ferry at his home the day before the horrible fire. I’m so happy they weren’t hurt during it. I made it to the official halfway point of the AT and conquered Pennsylvania where I got to meet Snake Girl again! She thru hiked the AT in 2014, gave us some amazing trail magic and slack packed us while hiking in Pennsylvania.

My original crew the Pampered Hikers have disbanded but I’m positive we’ll see each other again! Boogie, Sweet D and Nathan have since gotten off the trail and Funcle and Gadget Girl are behind me but are planning to flip flop and are headed to Katahdin. I’ll see you both on the flip side! I miss all of you so much! You’ll always be my trail family!

I’m currently hiking with Happy, Yoga Taco and Lasher. All of us are still determined to hike North. Happy has taught me a lot along this journey and has become a really cherished friend of mine. I had forgotten my reasons for being out here and I wasn’t really enjoying myself anymore. She helped me remember why. I came out here to accomplish a dream of mine. To show others that they can accomplish their dreams too no matter how difficult it is.

Before coming out on the trail I was no longer living life. I had let myself become stagnant and allowed epilepsy to determine my choices in life. I was no longer proud of myself.

The AT changed all that. I’m happiest in the woods. The challenges that come with it, and there are plenty, make me feel alive. I’m finally living my life again. I love exerting myself on all the climbs. I literally smile all the way up twirling my hiking poles in my hands. I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished out here and I’m proud of myself for continuing this journey.

While on this trail I’ve met some truly amazing people out here. SG, or Snake Girl, gave me a ride to and from Bonnaroo and also gave my friends and I some amazing trail magic in PA. Rob of the Catfish Lookout Tower in NJ gave me his headlamp since mine had broken a few states back. Ron from Harpers Ferry owner of the General Store gave me a job when I was out of cash and a few pointers on living life to the fullest. Happy taught me the joy that you feel after a long days hard work again and I’m glad she pushed me to push myself to go further.

Whatever your reasoning is for being on the trail, cherish it and always remember it. The trail has taught me many things. It’s taught me to live, to love, and to have hope again. It’s taught me to cherish everything around me. The world is beautiful and the Appalachian Trail is a teacher, so respect it and listen to it. You’ll learn a lot from this journey.