Date: 2016-02-05
From: Florida

To: Florida 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Tomorrow my husband and I will start the drive back to VA so that I can finish my AT thru hike.The AT has been in my thoughts and dreams for the past 2 months. While I was home I read the book about Grandma Gatewood. I thought of her many times while I hiked the AT, especially in NH and Maine. Like many thru hikers, when the trail got really tough I told myself "if Grandma Gatewood did this, so can I."I also saw the movie A Walk in the Woods - not one of my favorites.And I thought a lot about the life lessons the AT taught me. Hiking alone most of the time, I had a lot of time to think, REALLY think. Some of the lessons follow:1. Nothing Lasts Forever - not the climbs (or the descents), the rocks (or the smooth tread), the weather, or even the mountains. Almost every year even the length of the AT changes. Likewise, friendships, relationships, and people do not last forever. Sometimes, as in the case of climbs and bad weather, it is good that nothing lasts forever. In the case of relationships, good weather, and beautiful views, enjoy them while they last - because nothing lasts forever.2. It Is What It Is - just suck it up and deal with it. This one is similar to the serenity prayer. Everyone on the AT was dealing with the same heat, cold, aches & pains, rocks, climbs, wind, bugs, etc., yet no one complained. No one had the time or energy to complain. We all knew there was absolutely no point in dwelling on it. We all just made the best of it and moved on. There was also no place for coulda, shoulda, woulda.3. Climb the Mountain First Thing in the Morning. I quickly learned that I handle the tough climbs early in the day when I am fresh and rested. The rest of the day always went better when I got the hard stuff done early and it was no longer hanging over my head like a dark cloud.4. Appreciate What You Have or Are Given, Say So, and Really Mean It. When people ask me what surprised me the most about hiking the AT, I always say the kindness extended to me by total strangers all along the AT. Some hikers took whatever they could without a second thought, as if the kindness extended to them was expected as part of their "AT experience." These same people seemed to have the same attitude about life in general. Their lack of gratitude made me appreciate even more the kindness of strangers along the trail, how fortunate I am to have such a supportive spouse, and how overall I have had a pretty great life. I have a lot to be grateful for, and I need to let people know how much I appreciate them.5. Speak Your Mind. This is sort of the flip side of number 4. Women are taught as little girls to not make waves. We are supposed to get along and be nice. The problem is that we often have regrets later because we did not speak up when we had the opportunity. Most of the time, if we just say what is on our mind at the time, the situation is usually improved and we do not have regrets later. (Note I said MOST of the time - this is not an absolute.) The key is to determine whether speaking up will make the situation better, and how to speak up without making the situation worse.6. Enjoy the Moment and Take it All In. Life is not one dimensional. Use ALL of your senses. To really be present on the AT (and in life) you need to see not just the trail, but also the trees, sky, water, flowers, critters, views, etc. You need to listen to the wind, water, rain, critters, etc. You need to feel the sun, wind, rain, and snow on your skin. You need to smell whatever is around you and whatever the wind carries your direction. And, you need to taste the blue berries, blackberries, and raspberries. 7. It is OK to Ask for Help Every Once in a While. I am fiercely independent and self reliant. I have taken all sorts of classes, and I am very comfortable outdoors on my own. But I came to the realization that I am not indestructible and I cannot control everything. I can make logical well thought out decisions, I can take calculated risks, and I can do my best to be prepared. Unfortunately, sometimes that is not enough. When help is offered, take it. If you need help, do not hesitate to ask.8. Pack Light - carry only what you REALLY need, not everything you want or think you MIGHT need. When you have to carry everything, all day long, every day, day in and day out, regardless of the weather, you quickly learn to get by with far less. The same is true with life in general.9. Learn to Let Go. This one is related to number 8, but includes more than just material possessions. We carry a lot of "stuff" with us through life. Hiking, and life, is a lot easier with less "stuff."The AT is calling. I am extremely grateful for my AT experience so far, ALL of it - the good and the not so good, and I cannot wait to return to the AT to continue my journey and to see what else the trail has to teach me.