Home Appalachian TrailAT Continental Divide TrailCDT Pacific Crest TrailPCT
author photo">
Jun 12, 2023 : Jon Appalachian Trail

Day 61-62: A Double Zero

Sometimes, You Just Need Rest

After everything thrown at us last week, we needed a day or two off.

Northstar had improved, but relapsed again after she picked me up on Day 60. I decided that I’m not moving again until she’s better. She’d moved out of the Relax Inn and found us a nice quiet place in Lexington, Virginia where we hunkered down to lick our wounds and heal.

I’ve been taking my morning tea under a huge magnolia tree in the middle of the motel’s big grassy lawn, soaking up the shade and sending Gus out into the sun on stick-fetching missions. The pure joy he radiates as he’s returning with his new favorite stick is restorative.

I haven’t got much to say today.

Thanks for the kind words, prayers, and encouragement some of you sent about my brother’s passing.

Daily Stats:

  • Start: Reservoir Road (Mile 802.3)
  • End: Reservoir Road (Mile 802.3)
  • Weather: Hazy, pleasant
  • Earworm: None
  • Meditation: Ph. 4:6-7
  • Plant of the Day: Magnolias
  • Best Thing: A big grassy lawn
  • Worst Thing: Grieving
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.

Jon
Jun 12th : Jon
Author Page
Jon's Bio

Hi! I'm Jon, but on the trail, I'm known as "The Incident." There's a good story behind my trail name, but I'll have to know you better before I tell it. Maybe after I summit Katahdin. Maybe. I'm married to "Northstar" (formerly, "Princess Beastmode,") father of three grown children, only one of whom has a trail name (Poppywhacker). Mrs. The Incident and I will be living the vanlife with our two golden doodles, Gus & Roux, as I hike the AT in 2023. I'm a mostly retired fluvial geomorphologist (I did river studies) and a published author (my River Elegy books can be found on Amazon). I hope to see you on the trail!

Comments 3

  • Harry Poppins : Jun 12th

    I’m an old family doc. My nurse always used to say “I’m turning this over to God.” And she was done. I am much better at “presenting my requests to God.” but still have a ways to go. Good meditation.

    Reply
    • Eric : Jun 13th

      Day 64, I have been following you scene day one. I lost a younger brother 30 years ago due to suicide. Day one starts again. Whish you the best.

      Reply
  • thetentman : Jun 13th

    Take as much time as you and Northstar need. The trail will be there when you go back. But when you are ready the trail will be there to walk off the pain.

    Thinking of you.

    Cheers.

    Reply

What Do You Think?