“I Walked The Line”

It’s 1 in the morning and I can’t sleep, so here’s an update. We’ve made it to Damascus, Virginia which feels like our most notable accomplishment yet. Gosh, it feels good to cross a new state line, though we will be in this one for quite some time!

The last week has been so full of bliss. The forest is teeming with life and greenery. Maybe it’s the sunshine we’ve been blessed with after some cold, windy days or the recent sights we’ve seen, but I haven’t felt so full of vitality and energy in a long time. We’re pushing our longest days yet, and while I thought my body would feel depleted, running almost exclusively on Little Debbie’s and freeze dried dinners, I find myself craving more. (Not more junk food, I’m sick of that shit) I want to see more, summit more and experience more.

That’s not to say I haven’t enjoyed the present moments though. In fact, I’ve never felt more invested and connected to the trail then this last week. Perhaps a grueling amount of miles will just make you slap happy, but I find myself getting lost in the whimsy of every days little adventures.

Our last resupply stop was at Black Bear Resort, run by a rather terse albeit funny woman by the name of Linda. This was our first experience in a bunk house having since started the trail. Besides the two of us, we had four other guys including Wilderness Bob, and a man named StruggleBus. Though his name might inspire thoughts of doubt in his own journey, he was one of the most exuberant and intentional people we’ve met thus far, taking time to relish in each day as it comes. Despite our worst fears of snoring, flatulence and otherwise, it was a wonderful stay!

After our stay at Black Bear, we had a gorgeous day of hiking through Laurel Falls and followed the river beyond. It was our first taste of easy terrain, but was soon met with a 3 mile climb that certainly got the heart rate up!

I don’t take for granted that while in my previous job I’d probably be prepping programming or responding to emails on a Tuesday. But out on the trail is a whole new lifestyle that I have only grown to love more and more each day. I get to rescue snails from the trail on a rainy day; I get to bumble down the mountain singing “Picklin’ Man” under my breath or as loud as I like. I can go down the rabbit hole of creative thoughts and get lost in a story all my own.

There’s purpose and power in each step, driven with the goal of reaching Katahdin. But there’s also the silly, lightheartedness of the every day. Waking up to Peeta singing “Drink your TEAAAAA” at 7am, (thanks a lot Karen) soaking up sun rays and talking to the flowers around me, convinced that maybe some time they’ll talk back. Ooor, maybe I’m slowly evolving into a crazy “Voman of the Vooooods!”

The pinnacle of my last couple of days has easily got to be my first bear sighting! Nine miles outside of town, I look up from my feet to see a bear butt right in front of me! I think we both startled each other, because he ran up the ridge line a ways once he saw me. Only about 100 feet away, he stopped and stared at me, curious and cautious. We had a brief interaction of staring at one another before I went on my way and he went back to rustling around for grubs and other tasty vittles.

That happened just a few miles before crossing into Damascus, VA!! What a treat! And this town is s real gem.