The AT is a very long strenuous trail! It deserves respect!

From April now into May, this is Day 17. I’ve had some issues that have caused me to be quite a bit behind my projected mileage on this date. I was supposed to be in New Jersey at mile 1361. However, when faced with the reality of the trail vs me, I estimated myself moving far more swiftly than is reasonable. I will be at days end appropriately at 1217.5. The AT is tough and demanding. Every time you crest a hill and start down into the next valley your mind, well mine anyway, goes to the next up and the toll it will exact. One thing I’ve learned is that there is beauty all around me all the time, no matter if I’m hiking a gentle trail or scrambling over huge piles of boulders. I must be in every moment, living intentionally and reveling in the knowledge that I am allowed to experience something most people will only dream of. Today and tomorrow will be days of rest and healing for me, a loving family member has provided me with a nice hotel room where I will be spoiled with the luxury of a clean nice bed, a hot shower any time I want and shelter from the cold and stormy weather. I am truly blessed. I’ve had to reassess my former hike plan and that’s ok. I just have to continue to go at my pace, listen to my body and don’t try to go beyond what I’m capable and comfortable with in terms of miles per day. The recent pictures I’ve posted were received, as I knew they would be, with much application. I am happy to be able to share my journey with a lot of people via media such as Facebook and through this blog. As I’ve said before, if you want to see my pictures and videos from the trail you can access my Facebook page. Here’s hoping for warmer and drier weather! It’s my pleasure to be your host on this adventure as I Hike the Appalachian Trail! Have a great day everyone and may God bless you all!