She Speaks for the Trees

After more than a week of hiking Madeline and I had still yet to stay in an AT shelter. There are covered shelters, usually with 3 walls and an open side, within 6 to 10 miles of each other all along the length of the entire trail. We had gone to Shelter sites a few times but they were always quite crowded so we had elected to pitch our tents nearby. On some other occasions we found stealth campsites in between these shelters. While the two of us are outgoing, we do enjoy having the privacy of our tents to retreat to at the end of the night. 

Marching to Our Own Beat
Shelters are the socializing hotspots on trail since that’s where the majority of downtime is. But so far our camping habits run counter to many. It seems like most hikers are up pretty early and trying to hit the trail between 7:30 and 8:30 am. Then they hike to the next shelter and are set up by 4 or so. Madeline and I usually sleep in until 8, have coffee and breakfast, and slowly pack- not on purpose but because we’re still slow. We usually break camp around 9:30 to 10; but then hike until 6 or 7 pm and are still gaining good miles every day.

What’s in a Name?
Because of these tendencies we realized that it would take even longer to be given Trail names. We’re slowly meeting folks within our bubble, but not nearly as quick as if we were hanging around the fire pit or picnic table every evening. And then it dawned on us- we were now on trail together, and who would know us better than we know our own selves? We’d give each other names. But we made some rules first. We would not feed each other hints as to a name that we might want. It had to come from something that the other of us was observing out on trail within the other. We also had free rein to turn the suggestions down. Also, no time line was put in place to name each other. It ended up taking three days, and we both turned down about a dozen suggestions.

My Girl
I was hiking behind Madeline, thinking about her and all she’s accomplished and been through in the 24 years of her life so far. And that’s a lot to think about! She’s extremely smart and a tremendous communicator. She has an amazing talent with writing, and she should be the one writing a blog instead of me. She has always done well in school, from her time in the elementary grades to graduating NC State University last year with honors. Madeline served as the president of the student environmental association there as well.

My daughter loves to make the people around her feel cared for. She’ll provide the gift of time to anyone who needs it from her. Madeline pays attention to everyone and notices those who may be on the fringe of a social group. She’ll reach out and help them find comfort and a place in the dynamic. She’s pretty fearless in that regard too. Just the other night I saw her walk up to a group of ten 20 somethings who were all laughing and having a good time around the fire. She stepped right up, said “Hi, I’m ______” (wait for it, I’ll get there) and then joined right in on their fun. I, btw, retreated back to my tent.

Madeline loves animals. She misses her dog Letty and her cat Barbara immensely. She used to ride horses too. If someone on Trail has their dog out here, and many do, Madeline makes a beeline to give it pets and scratches. She also really enjoys getting to know about the lives and stories of older folks. I’ve often seen her sitting and holding hands with an elderly person and just sharing the moment, sometimes chatting and sometimes in a comfortable silence.

And of course she’s a loving daughter and sister, grandchild, and (gasp!) girlfriend. She embraces her family as a gift, and always writes long, beautiful notes and letters on special occasions to honor us and make us feel loved.

Got It
So what to name her? As I was thinking about her life and watching her hike we entered into a green tunnel of rhododendrons. This reminded me of how much she has always loved trees. Walking in the woods amongst trees is what attracted her to hiking in the first place. So I knew she might want her trail name to be tree related. I threw a few her way that she batted down: Sweet-gum, Hemlock, Chestnut. And then it hit me.

Despite all the good things in Madeline’s life she has had a mighty struggle to contend with. At 15 she was diagnosed with a severe eating disorder which almost took her life. She had in-patient hospitalization for many months, and then out-patient care. It was very hard for all that knew her, but I can’t fathom how hard it was on her. My wife and I were with her the whole way through, and I can’t believe how far she’s come.

An eating disorder isn’t something that can be cured. It’s a tangled up ball of wax that is thought to be part genetic, part mental health and part cultural. Depression is often diagnosed along with eating disorders too. So the best course of action is to teach someone with one how to manage their condition. As a parent that meant my wife and I surrounded her with love and protection and got her the professional help she needed to learn the tools of management. But Madeline had to do the work, and continues to do so.

So Madeline bent but she didn’t break. That’s something I see in her often. She can become quite emotional in her battle, but she always finds her way and grows stronger… much like a young tree on the forest floor. Fighting for what it needs to survive. And if you bend the branch of a Sapling as you pass it by what happens? Well, it proudly snaps back in place.

I love you Sapling,

Dad

Aka Captain Fantastic

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.

Comments 14

  • Marilyn Jesrani : Mar 23rd

    You both are doing amazing!! Sending prayers for some warm dry days.

    Reply
  • Lynnette Eastlake : Mar 23rd

    When the ‘suck’ starts to happen my husband’s mantra is “don’t stop, keep going”. You say it enough and it’s amazing how the body responds. Good luck you two! I love the posts. Dink would be proud I’m sure!

    Reply
  • David Groce : Mar 24th

    Fantastic. Just fantastic. So personal. So touching. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  • Toni Shook : Mar 24th

    This was a beautiful post! We love reading your story and think of you often! Keep on trekking! You guys are KILLING it.

    Reply
  • Kb : Mar 24th

    Glad I subscribed!

    Reply
  • Troy Piorkowski : Mar 24th

    G!! Hope you’re having a great and safe trip. Your blog is so great. Hope to share beverages with you guys at some point on the trek. Be safe!

    Reply
  • Jenifer Maloney : Mar 24th

    What a beautiful tribute to Madeline, and what a great example you’ve set for her, Captain Fantastic! We’re sending the best thoughts your way and are hoping for some warmer,clear weather soon. You’re both doing a great job! “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul”-John Muir

    Reply
  • Robert Posey : Mar 24th

    Outstanding post . Excellent name, given with great love.

    Reply
  • val vitols : Mar 24th

    Hello Captain, would you and Madeline like to come on the Hikers Dream Show when you get a break?

    Reply
  • Chris : Mar 24th

    One of the best things I’ve ever read. Not just on The Trek, but anywhere! Y’all are blessed to have each other.

    Reply
  • Annette Hall : Mar 24th

    George, I am thoroughly enjoying your emails. After glimpses into Madeline’s story, I would say you definitely have given her a very befitting trail name! Sapling it is! ?

    Reply
  • Wanda Hale : Mar 25th

    Happy you are hiking with her. Prayers trail food doesn’t hurt her. Great name. You fooled me. You had me thinking it was going to be Dogwood. Happy trails.

    Reply
  • Gail : Mar 26th

    Thanks so much for sharing, I’ve been following along and hoping you would cross paths with my favorite NOBO blogger, my son, trail name Pied Piper (if it sticks….), glad you met up on the trail and wishing you and your daughter best of luck on your thru hike, we are happy to help in New England when you get here!

    Reply
    • George Preiss : Mar 26th

      Your son is one of the coolest humans ever! We’ve crossed paths several times but really enjoyed getting to know each other at The Barn hostel a few days back. And btw, he speaks of you often! Look forward to meeting you in a few months.

      Reply

What Do You Think?