Date: 2009-01-11
To: 3 Months After
Miles today: 0.0

Well it has now been 3 months since I was standing on Katahdin and returned home. As expected there have been changes and re-adjustments.The first month was a transition for body, mind and spirit to accept that I was no longer on the trail. This is not an easy thing, nor one that can be rushed. It will happen in it's own way and will take as long as it takesBut eventually, or reluctantly it does happen.Also during the first month, I experienced physical changes, as my body was able to rest more, supressed aches and pains seemed to become more noticable and/or made themselves known.Receiving my 2000 Miler patch and certificate from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy recognizing me for hiking the entire Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, seemed to help validate and help the process along. Fortunately, by the second month, the aches and pains had mostly subsided. My right big toe is still a little numb and tingly.My knees stopped hurting, however they still have not regained any spring or bounce, like a shock absorber. I may never have that again, but no worries. It was all worth it, and will never be regretted. I would do it again in a heart beat.After 2 months to the day of returning home, I became a statistic in being added to the ranks of those got caught up in corporate downsizing. I know I should be a little more upset or even worried, But I am not.Although occurring 2-1/2 weeks before Christmas, it did put a different spin on on the Holiday plans, and other plans for that matter. But the lessons from the trail are still fresh. This might sound a little crazy, but I know no matter what, it will all workout and be OK.I saw it too many times not to believe and experienced it to often myself, to know it wouldn't be any different now? I clearly see it as making way for new and better things to happen.Now 3 months to the day, I have had a good rest, I have been afforded the time to look after things requiring my immediate attention and am starting this new year in a fresh way.I still think of the trail and am reminded of it in some way each day.Strangely though, it seems like it happened so long ago.I especially think about the people, what I wouldn't give to be with some of them right now.I have been asked many times now about my trip. As much as I am passionate about it and could spend days talking about it, I don't.In fact if anything I have been elusive when the subject comes up. Why, I'm not exactly sure?Only some family members and a few others ever knew that I had ever dreamed of this. Fewer still, were made aware when my journey actually began. It has always been something special, personal and private but not to be confused as being a secret.I guess even now I regard and cherish it as something very special and personal. The acomplishment, rewards and memories are my own. I don't mean to appear aloof or deny anyone, it's just that I can't or won't sum up this amazing experience in 25 words or less.Having been able to post here on Trail Journals will make this easier. After reading, it may be much easier for all of us to share, and have a better understanding of what it was like on the AT?In short, the best I can muster is a quote From Henry David Thoreau:It goes like this, "I went to the woods, because I wished to live deliberately.To Front only the essential facts of life and see if I could not learn what it had to teach. And not when I came to die, discover I had not lived".As far as my once ravenous appetite goes, I no longer am burning 5000 plus calories a day. Therefore, I can no longer eat anything I want and as much as I want and still lose weight.I haven't lost my taste for tuna or oatmeal, in fact I haven't lost my taste for much of anything. Despite the effort, I have gained back a good portion of the weight I had lost.The one thing that I do miss, other than my flirtation and brief love affairs with Little Debbie, is staying in touch with and having contact with those whom I met and shared those very special 6 months with.I also enjoy hearing from the people I haven't met, but who have shared my adventure by reading about it. It was just as I had done and lived the experience through others, until I could make it my own.I am always happy to receive the phone calls and E-mails from anyone who shares this passion.Currently I can be reached at mcox.at08@gmail.comTake care and best wishes, See you down the trail...Papa Sarge