Is anyone reading my posts?
I’m not really sure if anyone is actually reading my blog, let alone if anyone has followed me. If you’ve been following me, it’s no surprise that I haven’t posted in quite some time. Maybe you thought I had gotten sidetracked. Or perhaps you thought I had stopped writing here. None of those things are true. The truth is that I am going through something. I wouldn’t say I’ve been struggling. However, I’ve been working on something internally.
Although I have this great desire to share my walk in as many ways as possible. And even though I want to write, I have to prioritize. I can’t sacrifice my hiking or the enjoyment of my adventure just to post regularly. Rest assured that I will continue writing here. There are more stories to tell and many more updates to come.
The depth of adventure
This hike, this trail, and these mountains are profound in a way I never would have expected. I want nothing more than to share it with the world, but I want to share it well. I don’t want to just write a few words and say it’s good. Anyone who reads my writing deserves quality. This adventure demands it and I will continue to share it. The only thing is that I needed time and space to experience the magic of the Appalachian Trail through Virginia without the stress of constantly posting.
That’s what I’ve been working on. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t working on it yet… because I am. The fear of not being able to stay calm. The fear of failing in some way I don’t agree with gnaws at me every day. I cannot and will not allow that to break me.
My last post described the achievement of something I consider truly great. It was something I didn’t think I was capable of. I must continually remind myself that I am more capable than I think. After completing my big pink glow to catch a star, I took four days off. One of those days off was my 42nd birthday. Unlike my 32nd birthday, which was the worst day of my life, this was possibly the best birthday of my life. I hesitate to say it was the best day of my life; However, it ranks very high. It was amazing in part thanks to a dream and a Dreamer. In my next post I will tell that story. In the meantime, enjoy the first five sonnets in…
The Appalachian Trail: A Crown of Sonnets
I. Sunset in Alabama
Of all the beautiful things I’ve seen
There is a scene that I will never forget.
I was happier than ever
Watching my first sunset in Alabama.
The moonrise through the longhair pines is so sweet
Experience this very unknown state.
Appreciate the ground under my feet
And the clouds that the Alabama dawn has shown.
The colors of the water are infinite.
Flowing through me like it’s been here before.
And the rocks, as I stop for a minute.
Alabama flowers touch my heart.
Thank you, Alabama, for the cool dawn.
Thank you, Alabama; I must move on.
II. Sunrise in Georgia
Thanks Alabama. I must move on
Towards Georgia, where the thunder breaks loudly.
The days of sunshine and birdsong are over.
The hail falls and I see the lightning come through.
The snow is covering my entire view.
The weather clears and I can see the sky.
Then he reminds me that Georgia will bite.
Blood pools on the way from under my thigh.
I continue towards Springer Mountain.
Then he comes down and shows the way a hiker flies.
The Appalachians say, “Drink from the fountain.
Stay young and see the best sunrise in Georgia.”
I wish you could see Georgia through my eyes.
Georgia, I’ll miss you, I can’t lie.
III. The heart of North Carolina
Georgia, I’ll miss you, I can’t lie.
But North Carolina… she stole my heart.
With panoramic views where hikers stop and sigh.
She convinced me from the beginning.
As I ascend to its highest peak
Blankets of snow-white flowers consume me.
What I am looking for is not to know paths covered with moss.
Straddling the line over Tennessee
Challenging but worth every step
Carolina shares me with her neighbor.
Hard times and pain are easy to accept.
Beauty is exactly what I’m here for.
North Carolina exceeds expectations.
North Carolina beyond perception.
IV. The cursed waters of Tennessee
North Carolina beyond perception
And then there’s Tennessee with its hard hitting.
Carefully it’s time to use my best discretion.
With each step, gently over the hard rocks.
In Tennessee the hairs on the neck stand up nicely.
As the wind blows the clouds across the sky,
Back to Carolina, beyond the line.
Shots were heard in the dark and someone was killed.
Fear cannot take over me while I sit, without boots.
Listening with satisfaction to a Starburst.
Tennessee hikers cough a little.
Wondering if its cool waters are cursed.
The Tennessee sky will be left behind.
As Tennessee leaves my doubtful mind
V. A Virginia Dream
As Tennessee leaves my doubtful mind
Because Virginia feels like home
When all the people and curves are kind
Even the black bears here can roam freely.
And the trees from their seeds; come see them leave.
I want to see them grow but only see them go
To what Virginia has up her sleeve.
Pilgrims go wherever the wind blows.
Under the Virginia Canopy… Dreamer
Under the warm blue sky, love and peace shine.
Looking inward to release the screamer.
Fly and rise above the flow of the river.
The Shenandoah of Virginia appeals to me.
Virginia, please try not to forget me.
Thank you so much
Thank you to everyone who has supported me emotionally and financially. Thank you to the many angels of the path who have brought joy in the form of true magic. Thank you to my loved ones at home who still support me. Thank you to the communities along the trail who truly care about hikers beyond what we offer financially. Thanks to the trail clubs that maintain this great path. And most of all, thanks to the hikers I’ve met who are so encouraging. I have learned more from you in such a short time. It really blows my mind. I would like to especially thank the following hikers: Slingshot, Star, Starburst, Moonshiner, Smurfette, Dreamer, Gone, Mouse, Fat Tire, Bouncer, Twinkletoes, and Fiddlehead. Thank you all for making this hike the most amazing and profound thing I have ever done.
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