My current mentality on the way these days is to get enough closer to Mount Katahdin, that quitting smoking is not an option: I need to get to Maine! While I have not seriously considered smoking (still), recently, I started counting the days, weeks and miles until its completion. I really just want to finish. I am sad to write these words, since for a long time I have wanted to walk through the AT. The romantization of such is that it will last forever. But this path is beginning to affect me and is exhausting. It’s too cold, it’s so hot, I’m soaked in the rain, mosquitoes eat me alive, in addition, my 50 -year -old body is beginning to feel their age; Not everyone is lollipops and rainbow here. I hope my mentality changes in the next two weeks, but at this time, this is where I am.
The nine from behind (one hundred)
My first week along the way after leaving my family was difficult. In retrospect, I probably took too many ‘zeros’ and got too comfortable with the luxuries of life. He was sad, slow and demotivated, and that first night on the path began a week of rain, which brought wet feet and blisters that I have not seen in more than 700 miles. In addition, the path was silent, I barely saw any other hiker. I was so desperate for the socialization that I was looking for one day hikers to speak, but due to the rain, there were none! But then Bobby came …
Perfect tense
Despite living far and not talking all the time, Bobby is one of those friends with whom I feel very close when we spend time together. He is genuine, open, honest without trial. Coming from an outdoor context and adventure, Bobby is the only person in my life (before this trip) who really understands what the path is about. When he learned of my intentions of an attempt through the walk, he never asked any of the typical naive questions («Are you going to bring a gun?» – LMFAO!); Instead, I was excited and supportive, even mentioning to join me for a section. And then, on the 100th day, seven days after leaving my family, he did exactly that, Massachusetts section. It was exactly what I needed, not only from an aspect of socialization, but a true friend in which I could trust my recent struggles along the way.
I always knew that this path would be a marathon, and hitting the wall would happen. I hope to get to New Hampshire, and have a good weather, so the beauty of the white mountains can remind me of everything the path has to offer, which allows me to appreciate the last 500 miles instead of telling them.
MISC:
Thanks to John Kelly’s support team (Jeff) by The Ice Cream & Water, The Anonymous Cooler (Soda) of Route 55 in NY, Barbara doing volunteer work for NY/NJ Trail Trail Club. Constant transport for Gatorade and Cherry cakes in RTE 7 in Ma, at Farmer Stand in Jerusalem RD, Pam & Bob (Stretch parents) and Mike and Hashi for the magic of the path, some of the best breads and drinks on such a hot day! And, of course, the lady of the north of Cookie! You are all making this special trip!
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