Date: 2008-12-15
To: Wonderful endings, new beginnings
Miles today: 0.0

Dear readers,My time at Sage Walk is officially over (for now, at least). My nineteenth and final rotation was equally as rewarding, fulfilling, and challenging as the first one a year and a half ago. Thanksgiving was one of the most memorable I'll probably ever have, filled with wonderful Thanksgiving food that got delivered out to us, good company, and lots of laughter. There definitely seemed to be a greater amount of thanks and appreciation in the air compared to most Thanksgivings I've experienced. A day that most students were dreading or feared being depressed for because they weren't at home turned out to be the high of many of their stays at Sage Walk. The look on their faces when we walked up with Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie was priceless- and was soon followed by tears of happiness, thankfulness, and appreciation.Mother Nature was also on our side all rotation, providing us with 15 days of sunshine and temps in the 40s and 50s. It was apparent winter was quickly approaching, though, with water bottles beginning to freeze solid overnight. Two days after getting out of the field, sub zero temps and snow hit the field- we made it out just in time and I'm glad I escaped without experiencing much winter weather- but my thoughts are definitely with those who are out there now... and will be for the rest of the winter. I don't have much desire to do it again. One winter was enough and built enough character within me to last a lifetime, I feel...As I left the field for my last time, I knew I had worked hard, changed lives, formed bonds, and was happy and healthy. This is all I could ever ask for upon completing a year and a half at Sage Walk. It's been 20 months of tremendous growth within myself, the hardest work I've ever done, and the most rewarding and fulfilling job I've ever had. It's led to the development of personal pursuits, passions, and dreams. If it weren't for this experience, I'm confident I would not be setting out to hike the entire Appalachian Trail, alone. I've formed strong friendships with and had the opportunity to work side by side some of the most incredible people. I've done a lifetime of travel in a year and a half, all while having a "full time job". I have infinite memories that will always stay with me, shared by a select few, and numerous photographs to help remind me of the beauty that can be found amidst such a harsh barren landscape. And lastly, much of my gear that will be coming with me on the AT now has character thanks to Sage Walk, whether its my burnt headlamp strap, an ember hole in my rain jacket and sleeping bag, or a really dirty nalgene that is refusing to get clean.My time at Sage Walk has passed in the blink of an eye. It makes me wonder how quickly my 6 months of hiking the AT will fly? I know that I must close this chapter in order to begin my next one, so as bittersweet as it's been, I wouldn't have it any other way. I did find comfort in knowing that life in a sleeping bag under the stars is not over for me, I'm just taking a few month hiatus. That made me happy. :-) Here's to wonderful endings and new beginnings...Happy Trails,Amy