">
Update from Atkins VA
Well here I am in Atkins Virginia in possibly, no definitely, the lousiest motel I have ever stayed in but I’m feeling pretty good. I’m freshly showered, well fed, close are laundered and tomorrow is promising to be a splendid day on the trail. When I set out in this journey my husband and I agreed I would get to Damascus no matter how much I may decide I hated hiking. I would at least get there and then if I decided it wasn’t for me than I would come home. Well I won’t presend there haven’t been times that I’ve asked myself why the he’ll I’m doing this but then I remember why and I’m going all the way!
Looking back
- Starting my hike nobo in early March I’ve enjoyed a lot of views that those a month behind me are going to miss. That being said I’m so ready for spring! I’m ready for warm weather and some color other than brown. Now that I’m crazing at lover elevations in Virginia I think I’m finally going to get just that. Bring in the green tunnel!
Finally looking like spring!
- If you come across the most amazingly bad ass trail magic it’s OK to cut your miles for the day in half, sit back and enjoy this gift of the trail. This happened for me at Overmountain Shelter just past the Roam Highlands. I was rewarded not only with burgers, soda, chips, beer, comrades, French toast sticks, and sausage, but also by crystal clear skies for some spectacular views that I would have missed if I pressed on.
Arriving at a sleepy drippy Overmountain shelter
Patrons of trail magic
Clear skies by sunset at Overmountain Shelter
- Crying is OK! Sometimes you just need to cry it out and after you will feel so much better. It’s not all sunshine and flowers out on the trail and you should expect some low points. When I hit a low point I keep in mind the wise words of 2016 nobo hiker Portuguese “It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible”.
- The trail will always surprise you and provide when your in need. When I left my rin jacket at Overmountain shelter a group of hikers and trail angels came together on trail and off to hike it north all the way to Damascus to reunite it with me. This kind of thing happens all the time on the trail. It just hits you right in the feels 🙂
- Take time to enjoy even the small milestones your hiking and you rock! In the words of2016nobo hiker Rusty Bridges “It’s not only 250 miles. You’ve hiked 250miles and you fucking rock!”
That’s all for now it is way past hiker midnight and there are many miles to hike tomorrow. Happy trails until next time!
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 2
Way to go Sara! Enjoyed your update.
You do fucking rock!!! I am so proud of you! I tell EVERYONE, my nice, the coolest person ever is hiking the AT!
You can to this, you ARE doing it! Thanks so much for the update! We are tracking all your miles, we have the big long map up, question at the dinner table,, Where is Sara and Jetta tonight!”
I look forward to spending a few days with you on the trail, either, MA, VT, NH, whichever! Don’t forget Uncle Jim and I are here for you we are so close to all those states, we can come get you and Jetta for a 0 day, bring you anything you need. Anytime Jetta can hike, I think it is toward the end in Maine we can come get him!
Thinking of you!! You go girl and remember Rusty Bridges words!!
Lots of Love, Aunt Nancy, Uncle Jim and Sam!!