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Jun 1, 2022 : Beth Feret Bloggers

North to Damascus

Enjoy my mental meanderings:

To the tune of “North to Alaska”

Way up north (North to Damascus)
Way up north (North to Damascus)
Way up north (North to Damascus)
North to Damascus, she goes north, the rush is on. 
Beth left Chicago in the year of ‘22. She brought with her no partner, or even her sister, Tammie Sue.
Me and my sister, Tammie Sue!

She crossed the Middle Fork River and found where the beer was cold. 
Beyond that Dollar General, just South East down the road. 
She slack-packed the majestic mountains to the valley far below.  
Caught up with her favorite hiker trash even though her pace was slow. 
With the Kilted Cowboy and his crew bringing all the hiker fun, Beth left Boots Off in a happy state despite their late night drums. 
Where the river is a windin’, the Distillery we’re a findin.’

North to Damascus, go north, the rush is on. 
Way up north (north to Damascus)
Way up north (north to Damascus)

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Beth Feret
Jun 1st : Beth Feret
Author Page
Beth Feret's Bio

Hi! My trail name is Tree Hugger, and I’m thru-hiking the AT after a 32 year wait. I first learned about the AT during Spring Break of my Sophomore year in college. My college sweetheart and I spent a week in the Smokies, and we ran across some hitchhiking thru-hikers. That’s when I learned about the trail and determined to someday complete it. Well, life intervened, and my path veered away from the trail for some time. I married and raised three amazing kids, but never stopped dreaming about completing the AT. I started backpacking again once the kids were grown, and got into the best shape of my life with the help of a personal trainer and a lot of hard work. Then, in November of 2018, I took a bad fall while night hiking up to a remote spot in the Hoosier National Forest. I suffered multiple physical injuries, including a pretty nasty TBI that required almost three full years to recover from. But with the great support of my friends and family, a team of medical professionals (particularly one extraordinary functional neurologist), I regained enough cognitive ability and balance to backpack again. I entreated my superintendent (I’m a high school teacher) to grant me a Leave of Absence to hike the AT while I’m still able (who knows what the future holds?), and my request was granted. I spend all year teaching my students to “seize the day,” to reach for their biggest goals, and to live out their dreams. It was time to practice what I preach, and so here I am on the AT. It really is a dream come true for me. It’s been difficult and challenging and uncomfortable, and really, what more could anyone ask for?

Comments 1

  • Kenny : Jun 18th

    Hey hey, it was great meeting you today! I hope you have a good evening and sleep well. ?

    Special K

    Reply

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