Walking with Grief on the AT

Grief has been my constant trail companion.

I’m taking a different approach with this post. Nearly a third of the way through I’m ready to address one of the core reasons I’ve chosen this time in life to hike the AT.  I’m reflecting on how the AT has affected my journey with loss, grief, and acceptance.  Before I dive into this deeply personal topic here is a quick summary of my progress on the trail.

April 20 to May 4, Days 38-51

By the numbers:

–258 miles hiked in 14 days.

–18.5 miles per day.

–Passed 500-, 600-, and 700-mile marks.

–Passed the one-quarter mark.

One-quarter complete.

Highlights:

–Grayson Highlands.

–Marion, Va.

–Dismal Falls.

–Trail magic continues.

–McAfee Knob.

–Daleville, Va.

Dragon’s Tooth.

Trail magic!

The Virginia Blues

I last posted from Damascus, just across the Virginia border. Virginia has over 550 trail miles, more than any other state.  The length of the trail in Virginia is so long a phenomenon called the Virginia Blues commonly sets in. The Virginia Blues have been attributed to numerous sources; the vast distances, the end of the honeymoon phase, a supposed decline of scenery, and monotony with trail life.  For these reasons many hikers report a loss of enthusiasm and morale in Virginia.

Virginia is beautiful, with no time for the blues.

I Brought My Own Blues from Home

I have not experienced one moment of Virginia Blues. I loved the Grayson Highlands.  I’ve found the pastures and meadows a welcome change for the woods and easier on the feet.  The scenery is spectacular; Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs were all first class.  I continue to make new friends on and off the trail.  Virginia has been a  great experience with the Shenandoahs other highlights yet to come.

Despite having staved off any trail-induced Virginia Blues, the topic of  the blues is still pertinent. Specifically, I’m going to reflect on my experience with the blues I brought with me to the trail. These are the blues of grief; in my case, the loss of my spouse.  Whatever the label I carry these feelings and thoughts with me every day.  I could no more dump them than I could my pack or boots.

Appalachian Trail Therapy

My therapist: the trail.

The words I write here reflect only my own personal experience.  I don’t intend to write a paper on wilderness therapy or an advice column.  However, writing has always helped me sort out my feelings and I hope my words encourage others who are dealing with their own issues.

I’m often asked, “Does the trail help?”  The answer is simple but also complex.  Yes, the trail helps. I’m healthier in mind, body, and spirit because of my time on the AT.  But there are limits.  The trail will never cure me or make me whole; nothing ever will.

Many well-intended people have given me much advice on grief.  Much of it is just platitudes. I’m a bit of a grief counselor’s nightmare.  I heard “don’t make any major life changes for a year” so often from so many people.  I put no stock in that traditional time frame.  Some people understood, others shook their heads as I sold, donated, or gave away most of my possessions, moved across the country, and undertook voluntary homelessness and unemployment to hike this trail. I did, however, believe and quickly embrace another basic tenet: “You never get over such a loss; it just gets easier with time.”  Everything I’m writing is based on this principle.

Lots of time to think while enjoying the present.

Getting Easier with Time

Most of us instinctively believe time in the natural world and physical activity accelerates healing.  I hope so because this adventure represents a total immersion into both worlds; all-day physical activity in a beautiful wilderness setting.

I took the time to look up a study conducted at Stanford on the issue.  Thanks, Google.  The study is here:

https://news.stanford.edu/2015/06/30/hiking-mental-health-063015/   The results are simple;  walking in the natural world helps!

A 90-minute walk in a natural area reduced “rumination” — repetitive brooding on negative feelings — in participants.  Brain scans also showed reduced activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex, indicating reduced stress and vulnerability to depression. The same results were not seen with participants walking in an urban environment.

This study not only gave me a new favorite word (rumination) but validated a lot of my feelings.  I do feel happier and healthier walking through the woods.  And that’s a good thing since I spend at least ten hours a day walking through the woods.

Those hours give me a lot of time to think.  Here’s a typical pattern for me on the trail.

Prayer Time

While I don’t appear to be overly religious on the outside I do spend time in prayer every day, typically first thing in the morning as soon as I have some space alone.  My prayer time starts with some set pieces: the Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary, Psalm 23, and then moves into a personal conversation.  I always talk to Brenda at this time, tell her about the trail, the kids, my thoughts, plans, and how I miss her.  I know she’s with me but I’ve never had a reply.   At some point I also pray, by name, for everyone I know facing cancer.  Inevitably, I give a lot of thanks for the trail, the time we had, my family, friends, and the weather (good or bad).  It would be impossible to document it all; I wander all over the place.

What a wonderful world.

Reflecting on the Past

I then spend a lot of time walking, with my mind free to wander.  Typically in the morning a lot of memories flow into my mind.  Freed of real world concerns, these memories are vivid, full color, and lifelike.  Most of the time that’s good; past vacations play out before me like a movie.  My favorite time with Brenda was drinking morning coffee and chatting.  Obscure conversations return like I’m reading a script.  Sometimes I see things I don’t want to.  This is almost always an episode from her final days or some particular time of pain and suffering. Sometimes it’s just some regret from years past.  I’ll spare the gory details but I see these things over and over.  I just have to let the thoughts dissipate on their own, just keep walking, and they are replaced.

Enjoying the Present

Most of the day is just enjoying the present.  Wondering what is around the next bend.  Enjoying a view.  Thinking about the next meal or town.  Where should I stop and camp?   This constitutes the majority of my day by far.  It’s a good time.

Thinking About the Future

Finally, and usually toward the end of the day’s walk, I think a little about the future.  What will I do when I’m done with this adventure?  When do I start the PCT?  Will I ever shave again?

That summarizes a typical day.  Always a prayer, think a little about the past, a little about the future, but mostly just enjoying the present.  That’s why in every picture I’m smiling.  I really am happy nearly all the time.

What happiness looks like.

The Trail Helps but not Always

I still feel loss every day.  I know there is a big void in my life that no amount of walking will ever fill.  It will only get better, remember?   When this awareness becomes prominent I hit a low spot.  Sometimes it’s predictable.  I’ve spent a lot of time with Paul.  He dutifully calls his wife in Ireland, multiple times a day sometimes, as signals permit.  This is good; sometimes I even talk to her.  But it also reminds me I’m alone and can’t make such a call (prayers aside).

I’ve also been hiking with a married couple lately.  They are great, fun people.  I sometimes just enjoy watching them interact, good-natured bantering, and even egg them on a bit.  Once in a while it hits me that I’m enjoying it because I miss it.  These are good things and I don’t want them to stop or feel they can’t be normal in front of me.

Other times something or some memory just hits me wrong.  That’s the unpredictable stimulus.  Predictable or not the feelings pass.  I don’t really fight them anymore. I just acknowledge the thoughts. I sometimes quiet down, excuse myself from a conversation, or separate myself a bit on the trail.  If any of my tramily reads this just be yourselves.  I don’t mind talking about it, either. I just try to not draw attention to myself at these times.

No Miracle Cure but I Love This Hike

Obviously, this was a difficult topic to fully capture into the right words and tone.  I don’t mind sharing my experience; I find it cathartic.  If I help one other person, on or off trail, that’s even better. For me, I’ll just repeat what I’ve already stated. I’m better in mind, body, and spirit for undertaking this adventure.

Love this trail.

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Comments 9

  • Deanna Larson : May 5th

    Beautiful and eloquent. Your post touched my heart deeply, because you shared a part of yours. God bless, Pete. Hugglies and loves for you!

    Reply
  • Jeff Sandberg : May 5th

    Pete, I love your post and your blog is very interesting. Your writing is very good. Keep it up!!! Love and prayers coming your way.

    Reply
  • Joe Bishop : May 9th

    I rejoice in your decision and what you are experiencing. I lost my wife of 41years in 2012 after a long battle with cancer and can identify with what you are sharing. Truly this is a different chapter in our lives; keep strong in your faith. Prayer and time in nature with God will help keep you grounded and life in its proper perspective. Just part of the journey, my brother.

    Reply
  • Jeremy : May 9th

    Thank you for sharing your story.

    Reply
  • Trail Rabbit : May 9th

    Vulnerable and inspirational. We open and connect with other’s hearts when we open our own and that’s just what you’ve done in this. Although my circumstances are different than yours, I too find peace and joy on the trails, out in nature, away from the hectic craziness of urban and suburban life. Sometimes the more backcountry and isolated the better. I’m following you, my trail brother. I’m an aspiring AT thru hiker as well with no set date or confirmed plans as of yet. I still have 2 kids to get through college and living more independently before my wife will give me the ok for my big adventures. Haha! It’ll happen some day, though. Perhaps we’ll cross paths on a trail somewhere. I’ll keep an eye out. Hike on!

    Reply
  • Mary B : May 9th

    My heart is breaking for you. Like you said, the loss doesn’t go away, but you learn how to deal with it and go on. Prayers for your peace.

    Reply
  • VB : May 14th

    Go Pete Go.

    Reply
    • Bob Norton, Jr. : May 18th

      Awesome, awesome writing. You’re so careful not to bring others down, while sharing your journey – not just on the AT. I know it helped one person, me – lost my dad 2 weeks ago last evening to the same disease. Been following you since your start, before I knew I’d lose him. How’s your pup doing at home? Keep doing what you’re doing, because you’re doing great!

      Reply
  • Matt : Aug 25th

    Youve accurately captured the mind-healing daily trail experience here and beautifully expressed your inner experience of transformation after losing the presence of your soulmate. And I think your distinction can only be true and should be, that you will never “heal” from losing someone, and you wouldnt want to. Sorry for your loss and thankful you were blessed to have that special love to lose; and sometimes thise old sayings just cant be beat: it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. Though Im like you in understanding that you havent completely lost it

    Reply

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