Dreamcatcher – The walk

Day 8:

Another strange dream.

I was back in South Carolina and then I panicked because I wasn’t following the trail. «Am I dreaming? I’m supposed to be in Georgia!» I asked one of the cast members of my dream. They told me I wasn’t dreaming, which made me panic even more. How was I going to get back on track?

Awake. In a tent. Phew.

“I don’t really have dreams here or at least I don’t remember them,” Laura said as we stopped to get some water before heading out on our first 20-mile day. We had met up with Horsepower the night before at the Standing Indian Shelter, where we happily set up a “tent city” in the backyard clearing. As we took turns drawing water from the stream, Horsepower pointed to my two rat tail braids and said, «those really remind me of a dream catcher.»

“Dreamcatcher,” I repeated. «I like that.»

«And you’ve been having those stressful dreams. Maybe you’re picking up the bad ones for us.»

I let the name run through my head as we climbed to the beautiful views of Standing Indian Mountain. The horsepower kept going while Laura and I had a snack, which turned into a classic Laura training session. I never rejected it. The training trickled into the next walk and as I struggled to the 100 mile marker, she distracted me with tips on how to build a resume for when I return to “normal life” (whenever that may be). Talking about jobs seemed far away, but I guess that’s what most college graduates did during this time, so I could do it too. When people ask me what I’m doing with my English degree, I say, «Well, I’m in the woods right now. I hope the rest falls into place later.»

One skill I’ve tried to take advantage of on the trail is my composition. I intended to write about the deep thoughts I would experience while walking with the sun. Well, the honest truth is that most of those thoughts revolve around food. My song “Peanut Butter Tortilla” is a hit on the road!

«This is a song about peanut butter tortillas. Spread them thick and then I like to eat them. Some people need bread, some people need jelly, but you don’t need all that when you’re going up the AT.»

The next three verses explore Rice Krispy treats, pop tarts, and four-cheese instant mashed potatoes. Hopefully, when my hiker hunger subsides, I’ll be able to write deeper lyrics that match my often profound experiences. I have never been good at balancing my physical and mental self. Even after a 20 mile day, my mind was alive and happy to walk. My body, on the other hand, was starting to leave sticky notes on different muscles that said «Hey, please stop doing whatever you’re doing to us.» On paper, I want to listen to those notes and do my best to No Be one of those people who burn out in the first two weeks. I actually made amazing connections early on that I wanted to keep. It may be the oldest trail story. Unison of mind and body. Will that balance ever be achieved?

Dreamcatcher solidified that day and I took on a new name. In my usual dramatic style, the new name meant a new beginning. During a difficult climb, my brain frequently screams «I can’t do this!» and I vowed to always correct myself: “Charlotte can’t do this, but Dreamcatcher can.”

Total AT miles traveled: 105.8

The verses from “Peanut Butter Tortilla”:

This is a song about Rice Krispies. Perfect rectangles and so tasty! They sell out fast and then I want more so I just bought 10 at the restock store.

This is a song about iced pop tarts. Eat them for breakfast if you walk smart. Some have sprinkles and are filled with goo. The serving size is one, but you should eat two.

This is a song about four cheese mashed potatoes. Eat them with spam or eat them alone. Make sure you add enough water or you will eat powder for dinner. (This verse was contributed by Laura!)

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