New Scenery Before Hitting the Trail

I have relocated to Emory, VA, for about half a semester until I start my thru-hike. It has been a totally change in scenery to me. If you are wondering why I am here see my last blog. The skyscrapers of Philadelphia have been replaced with the mountains of the Cherokee National Forest and the city noise has dwindled to just a cargo train that passes my building every few hours. There are not many familiar faces, but I am finding my niche in the little community of Emory & Henry College.

I have been working on creating a habit of writing in a journal every day. I try to write about the people I meet and how I am feeling that day. It is interesting to see how much you change from day to day. One day I can find myself thinking of home and other days I could write about a great experience I’ve had that I wouldn’t get anywhere else. I think this will enhance my trail experience and will help me keep tabs on myself.

As March gets closer every day it is almost a little scary that the Appalachian Trail is right there. Once a dream is almost a reality. In about 40 days I will start my attempted thru-hike, and after that the book is open with blank pages for me to write on. A mind-set I am slowly falling into is control what you can and be open to adversity. These next few are going to fly by as I prepare to leave, but the future is brighter than ever.

Stay tuned and happy hiking.