Chapter 14: In which they have a day of fighting.

We woke up to the sound of the wind howling. None of us say a word about it, but it’s still a unanimous decision to stay in bed until 8am. When we finally get going, we encounter a snowy trail. It’s good at first, as it’s still icy and crunchy underfoot. However, it does not last long, because soon after the sun brings heat. Overall welcome, although the trail soon turns to mud and my shoes are soaked. In reality, they just don’t dry from the day before.

It was very cold during the night and when I woke up my shoes were frozen. I had made a rookie mistake by not loosening my laces before going to bed. It was a challenge to untie them, to say the least. And don’t get me started on the socks. My beautiful injinji socks were actually frozen. When I held them, they were upright.

days of fighting

I talk to Swift as I walk and we both agree that it’s hard to get through the day.

“This is a day of struggle,” I tell him as he shares his difficulties and pains of the day.

“What is a day of fighting?” he asks, walking ahead of me.

«Well, some days are hard. And you just have to fight through them.»

“This is sure to be a day of fighting,” he responds dryly.

«Yes, but think about it,» I continue.

«The days of fighting are really good. Because you know that you are strong to be able to fight through them. And you will feel very proud at the end. These are the days that you will look back on and smile, because you fought through them.»

As soon as I finish my monologue, she responds:

“How can you stay so positive all the time?”

She’s asked me this before. So my answer is, «I think it’s because I’m genuinely happy.»

It’s true. Out here I feel truly happy. Happy every day that I manage to go a little further. Happy to feel my body working, performing. Happy to laugh with friends. But it’s also because I know that the hills we climb, the wet shoes we wear, or even the cold nights we face are nothing more than temporary obstacles.

These things don’t come close to what adversity really is. It’s nothing compared to real pain. They are small challenges and I know very well that I am prepared to face them. Maybe that’s why I’m so ridiculously positive here all the time. There will be many obstacles ahead, so we better take advantage of all the good while we can.

A good end to a hard day.

I arrived at the Derrick Knob Shelter just before 6:00 PM. I’ve been going since 9:05 and spend almost the entire day on my feet. 12 miles that felt more like 21. A day of struggle indeed! My ankles hurt and the last two miles seemed to last forever, as the last two miles always do (I think it’s my body starting to prematurely shut down the «hiker spirit» every day).

I finally arrive and find Swift and Forrest already cooking their dinners. As I settle in, I hear about a fire. Shortly after, they go out to look for firewood while I try to consume my Knorr side dish with Sunkist chicken. It’s not bad, it just gets worse when it’s the third day in a row. I think I’ve had it about 20 times since I started the AT.

Shortly after, smoke comes out of the chimney and a small fire is lit. But we need more firewood. But don’t worry, because Forrest soon finds a fallen tree. When we go to bed, the fireplace does a very good job of warming the shelter. And, best of all, our shoes and socks are about to dry.

So in the end, this day of struggle turns out to be a very good day.

Oh, and did I mention it? Today we climbed Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee. I even play the song and dance up there. It’s great!

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