Date: 2013-10-21
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

We walked from Helveys shelter to Jenkins shelter, which was about 14 miles. It was a bit warmer and sunny. The sky was a brilliant clear blue. It made the colors of the trees pop in contrast. Most of the time we hike we have to look down. Now that it is Autumn the colorful leaves give an interesting and pleasurable scene to view, often covering our boots/Crocs. I find myself looking for the most interesting leaf, most gorgeously colored or perfect TP substitute. I don't know how to explain the abundant joy and happiness I feel just bursting out of me. I think it is partly the colors surrounding us, relief that Cub is okay and gratitude for being able to finish. Mostly it is probably the massive amount of endorphins that the hiking stimulates. I've come to realize that I need large amounts of exercise to feel balanced. It is difficult to work into my demanding Tampa life with work, running kids about, homeschooling and family obligations among other things but I'll have to find a way. If any of you out there are going through a rough time try some hiking or heavy duty exercise. The bad thing is that when you are down the thing you need the most is the thing you can't get motivated to do. Neville, from Woods Hole hostel, said that when you give so much of yourself to the world it's depleting. It's hard to do things just for yourself. It feels selfish but I realize now that I need to recharge so I can be the best me. I've kept up the energy and happy personality for the outside world but spent too many days crying and droopy with family and close friends. Hiking has also given me time to think and reflect. Though the past few years have been tough and there were some huge issues to deal with, altogether I realize I've had a blessed and fulfilling life. Hiking this trail has brought me such peace. One of the things I am most asked is how I could leave my husband to do this. Recently a friend posted a list of ways to have a good marriage to celebrate his anniversary. One of his suggestions is to take separate vacations. Though I wish Blueberry was with me and I would prefer that, I also realize that there are some real benefits. Obviously reunions are great and distance does make the heart grow fonder. I know blueberry misses us terribly but he also likes his totally obligation-free time. He is working long hours at his new job, which he loves. He also plays racquetball and can stay in his beloved office on his computer with no interruptions. Funniest of all, when we were home for the broken arm reset we found out how he really likes to live. In the nearly empty fridge was a hunk of cheese, a knife and a spoon. The knife was for the cheese and the spoon for peanut butter dipping. They were in the fridge to avoid having to wash them. Blueberry gets to have a bit o the bachelor life. I also realize that though we've never planned it, I have always had adventures out with the kids nearly every summer. We've been lucky enough to go all over the globe and the USA. Blueberry unselfishly and generously encourages these adventures. It's been mind expanding for the kids and a real pressure release for me. Thanks Sweetie! You've made my life exciting and fulfilling. So I say to everyone out there, life is short and goes by quickly. Adventure on! There will always be a million reasons why something can't work, think outside the box and make it happen. Love to all and Peace out!