Are we “falling behind”? – The walk

Today started with one of the highest mileage climbs that practically weakened us immediately. The hope was to push toward the North Carolina border, but the closest campsite after the border was an additional 7 miles from Plum Orchard Shelter. We choose to stop a few kilometers away and cross tomorrow.

It feels great to be almost out of Georgia, but tonight is the first night we’re without the people we met in the first few days. This trail is a little strange because of how close it makes you feel to everyone almost instantly. It could simply be a case of mutual suffering, or perhaps hikers are simply a strange breed of people who are destined to get along. Jessie and I feel a little sad to be without our new friends.

It seemed like everyone was pushing for a shelter that was much further down the road. I think we’re officially out of our little bubble. There was a comment on one of the previous posts that said: You will say hello and goodbye to many people along the way. This strange and quiet night will not be the last. As nice as it is to relax and commiserate with other people on the trail, we all need to “do our own hike.”

Tonight I’ve been thinking a lot about our rhythm. How has the reality of our movements matched our expectations? We said we would leave Georgia in a week and a half. We are 4 miles from the border on the 8th. In fact, expectations were exceeded, so why do we still feel like we are behind?

Even in the wild, it’s hard not to compare yourself to others. It makes you want to push yourself to go a few more miles to keep up the pace. Sometimes you feel like stopping and waiting. However, what comparing your hike to others fails to do is give you the space to enjoy where you are.

It’s something to work on, enjoy this walk for what it is. We are waking up and walking through some of the most beautiful forests in the Eastern United States. That’s all we have to do. I need to break the habit of looking at other people, for example, if I want to continue enjoying it.

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