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Thank you!
Thank you, every one of you.
The outpouring of love and support here and on Instagram has been overwhelming. Even if I don’t get to reply to each comment, know that every one of them has cheered my heart.
My body is confused and my brain is scrambled eggs. I will be hanging out at my brother’s for a couple of weeks at any rate. I can’t go either forward or back until my REI Flash 55 pack arrives from home – I will never again carry the big blue monster.
I want to go forward but I have to assess whether this body can do it, given my reduced post-surgery stamina and increased need for sleep.
I will keep you posted.
Blessings,
Steve / pearwood
Soli Deo Gloria
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Comments 10
Hey, dont beat yourself up. You’re a rock star for listening to your body. If you’re meant to be back on the trail, I know it in my heart that you will be. Stay safe and healthy.
Dandelion
Thank you, Dandelion,
It was a real downer to pull back into my brother’s driveway, but I’m feeling better about it now and starting to get my head together for another attempt in early March.
Blessings,
Steve
Pearwood,
I have been thinking about your last post a lot since I read it. The biggest thing I want to say is thank you for such raw honesty! I think often times the negative side of life is not addressed.
I also hope you will look at lightening the load and starting again. Your level of determination is real and don’t let a few days take that away. I know when you are ready the trail will be there. The trail loves everyone!
Additionally I am someone that strongly feels things happen for a reason! Trust.
Jordan “Piglet”
Thank you, Sir Piglet!
I am getting past the Eyore stage and looking ahead.
Blessings,
Steve
You know, I think you have lots of options. You could section hike and reduce your time sleeping in very uncomfortable weather, etc. You could become a trail angel yourself. If you love the outdoors and the feeling of hiking, create your own calendar of day hikes and maybe others you know or have yet to meet will join you! Congrats to you for trying, for keeping on the move instead of sitting in some recliner all day, and most of all for looking forward to whatever your next adventure is!
Thank you, CJZ.
I think I am going to wait a month and start again at Springer. After all, I did finish the approach trail even if not gloriously.
But I will take my time and listen to my body.
Blessings,
Steve
Don’t give up hope Steve. Every backpack is a great learning experience. We’re all rooting for you and know you can do it.
Take the time you need to regroup (& where necessary resupply or downsize) and see how you feel then.
Cheers!
Thanks, Luke.
Much appreciated.
Blessings,
Steve
You know your body better than anyone, so definitely make whatever decision feels best for you. But I just want to encourage you that the approach trail, for me and almost everyone I’ve talked to, is the hardest part of the AT in Georgia. For me personally, it was one of the hardest parts until I reached New Hampshire. You have more determination than many people I’ve read on here, and I hope that after some rest and lightening your load that you resume your journey, because I’ve seen through your posts and your comments on other people’s posts how much you want this. If you do get back on, don’t feel like you need to rush through the miles. I met Nimblewill last year and he said most days he did 7-10 miles. Whether you resume your journey or not, know that myself and many others here will strongly support your decision. But, as many others have mentioned, if you decide thru-hiking isn’t the way to go, remember that there are many other ways to enjoy the trail. No matter what, you are a strong hiker and this isn’t the end for you.
Monkey Toes
P.S.– Thank you for your constant support during my thru-hike and on my posts since then. It always made me smile to see one of your kind messages pop up on my screen.
Thank you, Ms Monkey Toes! You are a gem.
I have to keep reminding myself that I did manage to get the ridiculous 55+ pound pack most of the way up the approach trail. It’s amazing what one can do when the only way out is through.
I am planning on being back on the trail on March 8, with a much lighter pack and stronger legs. But I am not going to try to crank out long mileages. I’ll take it as it comes and see how it goes. My brother will be hiking with me from Springer to Neel Gap, with an overnight midway at Above the Clouds Hostel where I ended up at the beginning of the month.
Blessings on your way,
Pearwood