Date: 2004-06-18
From: Campsite in the woods

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

For some reason, today's hike plumb wore me out. It wasn't difficult terrain, only the usual bumps and hiccups to ascend, descend, and ascend again. But it took its toll, and I'm wiped out. I slept mighty fine in my tent; seems like ages since I've used it. The woods were active last night. The resident deer made some re-appearances; I could hear it snorting and enjoying a midnight snack. A whippoorwill made its presence known for a half-hour non-stop, and the owls joined in with their harmonies as well.Our campmates were up and packed out fairly quickly, and we weren't far behind. Highlight of the day: I saw a bear!! About 30 feet off the trail contentedly sat a large mama looking at me. I stopped in my tracks abruptly taking stock of the scenario. Firstly -- where are her cubs?!! Ah, two darling bundles of black fur, size of puppies, bounded and pounced around her. After a couple minutes she stood and moseyed away about six feet, sat and stared at me some more. Meanwhile the cubs kept playing. Again she moved, turned and sat. Whether the cubs caught my scent or the mama told them to settle down and pay attention, I'm not sure. But soon they stopped their frolicking and were watching me too. One was peeking around a tree, cute as could be, the other close in, between the mother's legs. After a couple minutes of this posture, ma simply stood and slowly waddled out of sight into the woods, with her cubs scampering ahead, around, and behind her.I walked on feeling blessed by having my first bear sighting occur with such tranquillity and calmness. Suppose the mama bear felt the same? The deer here in this park are plentiful and unfearing. The cottontail in the middle of the path seemed more upset about having to move out of my way than it was fearful of my presence. Up to now squirrels were pretty scarce but I'm starting to see many now.Another of nature's highlights was the blackrock summit. This is a huge rockpile with large boulders and crevices. There were a multitude of footholds making my shinny to the top very stable and tons of fun. My whole insides were giggling with childish delight. I probably would have stayed up there another 30 minutes hopping boulder to boulder trying to find the absolute, without-a-doubt highest point on the pile but we had quite a few miles to put on our feet still. Reluctantly I came down.So we had our wildlife highlight, our nature highlight, and now came our people highlight. Yesterday we met Scott and Michelle and children, Bethany and Jordan. Without going into detail let me simply suffice by saying the hoped-for 1/2-week family vacation on the AT turned into a two-day mini-hike. Not everyone was enjoying the adventure.To Michelle: We were so happy to see you today, have a more extensive visit with you, and share with you some of the emotions that are so pensive on the AT. We wish you all the best and encourage you, Scott, not to give up your thru-hiking dream. It's a personal challenge that isn't a perfect fit for everyone. When the time is right for you to embark upon your journey, you will know and you will do it. Be patient and hold onto the intent.For our part, you are the fourth pastor with whom we have crossed paths in less than two weeks. We interpret that as a reminder to us that we are not walking the path alone; God is making His presence known to us and we need not have any fears.As I continue to experience the glory of this creation, I hope that my faith and trust are deepening. Out here where all necessities are simplified, there are still many things which can go awry: mainly our bodies! Injury is a daily, perhaps hourly, concern. When will I finally have enough trust to let go of my fear? Perhaps tomorrow.