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Mar 6, 2024 : Tara Graham Appalachian Trail

Wandering in the Wonder

These last few days have been quite surreal. I’ve gone from pure panic to numb to gentle calm – all in cycles of about 20 minutes over and over and over again. It’s really hard to wait. And yet, waiting is all the really is to do. When you plan to be in the woods for six months, it becomes necessary to shut down a lot of other aspects of your life. And as you begin to shut those doors, you start to acquire a lot of empty space. Initially, that space feels really good. A breath of air so to speak. Then that space turns into a place of unknowing, anticipation, and wonder.

And that wonder is not in the form of daydreaming.

The daydreaming started a long time ago and I’ve created quite a novel in my head. A story about what it could be like, because, of course, I have no idea, but that will truly be. And not only have I daydreamed about my life on trail, but I’ve also daydreamed about my future post hike. And then, then comes the wonder…

I wonder who the “me” will be that returns from the trail? How will the challenges change me? Will I come back craving the routines I’ve had for the last several years? Will the things that matter now not matter anymore? Will I be able to readjust to a non-thru-hiker lifestyle? Will my friends and family see the difference? Will they accept the new me? Or will they be confused? … concerned? … curious?

A Brave New Me

I hope I can allow this adventure to infect me … yes, infect me – with community, simplicity, and awe. May my journey inspire a rebirth into a recommitment of the old and a steady progress into the new. May I be changed, renewed – and may I have the courage to reveal that newness.

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Tara Graham
Mar 6th : Tara Graham
Author Page
Tara Graham's Bio

My name is Tara. I'm a yoga teacher, MindBody practitioner, spinning instructor, hiker/backpacker, education junkie, tree hugger, meditator, foodie, health nut, tomboy. I'm passionate about our relationship to the natural world and find pleasure in living a minimalist lifestyle. I thrive on adventure and have insatiable curiosity. I’m hiking to have myself a little “Alice in Wonderland” adventure by jumping into the rabbit hole. I have very few expectations and I am doing my best to let the hike unfold naturally as it happens. I do hope to meet interesting people to hear their stories, and also embrace the opportunity to immerse myself in the thru-hiking culture. Although I am sure I will get to know myself a little better, I am not attempting to “discover myself” on trail. I do aim to inspire others by persevering through the many challenges I will overcome.  As a widow and single mom, it’s imperative that I be a role model for my two young adult children as they look to me for guidance. I want to show them how to connect with nature and immerse oneself in a journey with strong intentions and a big dose of self-acceptance and love. And finally, as a long time student and teacher of yoga, I want to share my passion and knowledge to others on trail. Perhaps the wisdom of the tradition can help “lighten their load” a bit or at the very least free up some tight muscles and relieve some tension. I want to share my story. I don’t know what that story will be, but I do know that it’s through our stories that we evolve and grow as a community. It’s exciting to think I could inspire and entertain people I will never have the opportunity to meet. And maybe I’ll be of service in ways that would be impossible otherwise.

Comments 2

  • Rob : Mar 6th

    It will infect you. Coming from Florida, I was infected by the Scottish Highlands last April. I will never be the same until I’m back there in the solitary beauty of Scotland. My heart aches for it daily now.

    Reply
    • Tara Graham : Mar 16th

      I understand that feeling 🙏

      Reply

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