Date: 2007-10-04
To: LIFE!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

So, another chapter in my life is closed. I have learned many lessons from the trail that will spill over into my life. For that I am grateful. I have made many friends that will last a lifetime and I have memories that I will never forget.      The completion of my thru hike still hasn't completely sunk in yet. That's okay. I have time. But I do want to say that with out the generosity of others, this trail would have been much more difficult. I could not have hiked this without the support of Bob, Rachel and Brian. So THANK YOU guys! I also want to thank everyone who helped me along the trail...from putting me up at night, be it trail angels, my cousin Terri and her husband Bob, hostel owners, outfitters, and even hotels and businesses. Along with the trail angels who left food and drinks trailside when it was most needed, or gave me rides to and from towns. Even the towns people, sharing who they are and tidbits about their area. The kindness and generosity of complete strangers still amazes me. It has re-kindled my faith in humanity. Then there are all the trail clubs and volunteers who maintain this trail. Without them, the hike wouldn't happen for anyone. They maintain the whole 2175 miles of trail and shelters. Unbelievable! I also want to thank everyone, friends and family alike, who have signed my guestbook and offered me support...from those at home to those I have met personally on the trail. Your kind words of encouragment helped me alot mentally. I thought of you and prayed for you more often than you know! For the thru hikers who helped me get ready for this trip with all of your combined experiences and gear choices for the AT - Thank you! Your patience to my endless questions is greatly appreciated! And to the class of 2007...and all the hikers I met and hiked with, be it thru hikers (this year and previous years), section hikers or sobo's...you are amazing. Without you, this would just be a walk in the woods. Thank you all!       As far as re-entry, I am doing fine. No, I do not feel the need to pee in the woods. Although if I had to, I know I could and probably could do it and get away with it! HA! Life is pretty much back to normal...using that term very loosely. I am glad to be back in my home with my loved ones, family and my pets. I missed them all.      I feel like I am a different person, although I have not changed. I know my limitations and trust myself. I guess you could say I am more defined. As time passes I am discovering more gifts from the trail. It's as though I am more seasoned and have a "knowing" about me. I am calmer and things just don't bother me anymore. I have a new perspective on life. I see things from a different angle and my priorities have changed...for the better in my eyes. I am closer to God now. I have had alot of time to pray. In the beginning of my hike I prayed to God...now I converse with Him. I am grateful for that blessing. We talked alot and I listened!      I thought I was ready for this hike physically. In hindsight, I don't think you can get ready for this, other than hiking everyday over hill and dale with 30 pounds strapped to your back. Physically my feet are still sore, my knees still ache a bit...but not as much as before and I am gaining the feeling back in my toes. I still "lock up" after sitting for a while and I still have the infamous "hiker hobble" but not as bad as when I first came home. I know it won't be long before I am out there being active again. But for now, I am resting my body, God knows I need it!      I have to say the trail was much more than I had anticipated...even with all the research I have done. Mentally, by New York it was challenging. "Why am I out here again?" Focusing on the reasons why I wanted to hike this trail in the first place, helped me get through those rough spots. And when I struggled with that, I practiced gratitude. "Just put one foot in front of the other and get to the shelter". That helped me when I was homesick in Maine. Your thoughts can make or break you. I can say I have learned the power of positive thinking.       For the future...I don't know what that holds. I am open. But, I would like to encourage others to get outside and "play" in whatever form feels good for you. Move your body...just like when you were a child. If you enjoyed it then, you will enjoy it and pursue it now. Stay active, if we weren't meant to move, we would be trees! Go explore and be adventuresome. Push the envelope. Realize your dreams. Life IS Good.