Date: 2006-06-11
From: Pass Mountain Hut, Shenandoah National Park

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It took us 6 days to get through the Shenandoah's. I enjoyed my time there as seeing all of the wildlife was one of the major attractions for me. The trails, scenery, views, blooming rhododendrons and mountain laurel were all pretty during this perfect hiking season, but the animals were my favorite part. We didn't see anything out of the ordinary; it was just the quantity that we saw and how they acted that was different than any other part of our journey. I saw several deer, doe, and 2 fawns, and my bear count total was 10. That's right...10! In some ways, I felt like I was bear-hunting the entire time I was in the park. Today, we exited the park and are moving on as our journey continues to take us north. Just before we left the park, we stopped by one more eatery for lunch...the Elkwallow Wayside. We have been spoiled these past few days in the park, as there have been more opportunities than normal to eat a good meal, rather than our usual pop-tarts, tuna, peanut butter and crackers, or Lipton noodles. The prices at these park stores are little high; but, then again, it is a tourist attraction. So I guess you pay for things one way or another. In this case, you either pack cheaper food, but you pay for it by carrying it on your back OR you carry less food through the park and pay a high dollar for food at the stores. Pick your poision I guess! I hiked most of the afternoon by myself with only passing 2 or 3 other hikers on trail. I still enjoy the time alone hiking as it gives me the opportunity to think about things. This morning I found myself stressing and worrying about some things back home and my life after the trail. For some reason I was even concerned about things that are out of my control. I don't really know why I started stressing myself out so much, but it was just one of those things that consumed my thoughts.....all morning long! I caught myself falling into this negative trap and decided to take a break for lunch. Afterwards, I put on my headphones in an attempt to change my thought process. In some ways it worked! My afternoon thoughts were filled with confidence and pride. I kept thinking about my life after the A.T. and realized that upon once reaching Katahdin, I will part of an elite group. I'm not trying to sound overconfident, but just envisioning myself suceeding for 5-6 months out here and then reaching Katahdin, just filled me with confidence. It's true that if I'm one of the fortunate ones to complete a thru-hike, I will be very proud of the accomplishment. It's also true that I will miss this community and lifestyle once finished. So then what? What will my life be like after the A.T.? Will I be different? Will some things change and others stay the same? I don't know what's in store for me after this trip. I DO know that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord, and that He will take care of me and be my Provider. I must remain confident in this and continue to enjoy my experience out here. Sometimes the days seem long, and other times they go by fast. Soon enough I will be looking back on this trip and will realize just how fast time goes by, and in the end things seem to all work out for the best.