Date: 2003-09-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So, I have been working on a summary for the trail and at the moment don't have it with me. So, this is just coming from a fresh memory from my brain of my life on the trail. You can read book after book, look at pictures and hear stories about the trail but once you actually hike the trail, it becomes a story of your own. The climbs harder, the views more beautiful, and the experience real. What was the trail to me, and what did I get out of it? Well, the trail resembled life. The more I was out on the trail, the more real that became. See, everyday we would have ups and downs. Not all of them were easy. Sometimes along the way we would have obstacles such as fallen trees to climb over, muddy swamps to walk around, and other things that would slow us down. Somedays I didn't want to face all the climbs and I didn't want to go around any more obstacles. But I knew that I had to in order to get through the day. Cause you see, every mountain I got to climb I got stronger, of course physically, but mentally as well. No matter how hard the climb, how tired I grew or how much i'd sweat, I was rewarded when I reached the top. All previous pain and sweat were erased by the incredible feeling I had when I reached the top. Not only did I have that great feeling, I was blessed by views that would just take my breath away. That relates so much to life. Everyone may have ups and downs in their own lives. Times when they don't want to go any further. Where you are at the point where you just want to quit. But by making ourselves go further, taking one step at a time, one problem at a time, we eventually make it to the top. The top being the solution to the problem, the moment of refueling, the moment of accomplishment. The trail was also a place of simplicity. A world where the only worries were where the next water source was, whether or not there would be room in the upcoming shelter. A place where God was so evident in everything. A place where I was able to sit at lakes and streams and soak up their peaceful melodies. I was able to lie under the stars and clouds and see the endless skies. To see a world that was covered by mountains, by pastures; not by skyscrapers or roads. This simplicity became a lifestyle that left me feeling carefree. For we cast judgment on no one. Everyone out there was someone special. Someone who you could relate to. You understood the passions they carried, the pain they felt, their longing for something that was much deeper than a superficial hello or a halfway smile. The people along the trail brought character, uniqueness and life to my journey. Not only the hikers, but all the other people along the way. We met so many angels. Angels who picked us up in the rain, the snow, who took us into their homes, who fed us. For their help, encouragement and warm meals helped and motivated us in a way that left a smile on my face and my heart so warm and touched. I guess the word that fits it best is grateful.I learned that there is a world out there. One that only a few venture out to see. A world that is so beautiful and precious. So huge, but hidden by schedules, by fear of change, by crazy lifestyles. My wish would be for everyone to see it. For once you do, you get drawn in so much that it is hard to leave it, to let it go. By hiking the trail my life took a sudden turn. Before I left on this journey my life was fast paced. I wanted to do so much but thought there was no time. The thing I didn't realize is that by going through life as fast as you can, you tend to miss out on certain things. On the trail, at times I would try to catch up with others in the group, just try to hike fast. The crazy thing is, is that most of the time that I'd just rush, a branch, a rock, a root would come out from no where and I would fall. This happened over and over until I finally realized to go my own pace. A pace that I was able to see everything. Some of the smallest most unrecoginizable things just totally amazed me. Things that I'm sure other people would've rushed right by. Something as simple as blowing a dandelion, watching a butterfly, sitting in a wide open pasture looking at the clouds. For it was those times that I got the most out of. The simple things.I realized things that I took for granted. Food, running water, trash cans, and many many more. Things that I will forever appreciate and never take for granted. My heart goes out to all the hikers, but especially the ones I shared all 6 months with. Cire "Eric", the one who would always have a fire going when we made it to camp, who was very wise, who taught me a lot about nature, about flowers and birds. He got me hooked on Extreme Elimination and he would always be the one to make sure things were ok. Emily "Speck", who shared with us a gift. For it was her voice that would touch my heart. She had a way to always boost the spirits of the group, to have energy and positive words. Jason "Diesel" added to that gift with his own. When he played the guitar my mind would wander to a place of complete relaxation. The music would go right through me, the rhythms of the guitar would become one with my heart. Julia "Slick Rock" always stood up for what she wanted and believed. She shared with me her passion about nature. Her words helped and strengthened me in becoming a stronger person. And David "Oopu", became a special brother. One that I could pick on but one that always made sure I was never left behind. He and I shared many thousands of views, many sunsets, ones we never thought we deserved to see. 5 Alive made this journey one that I'll never forget. To the others who were once a part of 5 Alive, the fellowship....Denmark, Early Riser, Mr. Cranky Pants, Swift Sandles and 2 Step....thanks for the laughs, the stories, the memories. I love you guys so much. I do owe a lot to my family. They supported me all the way by sending mail drops and letters. They encouraged me when I was down. I also thank Beth, my best friend. I faithfully received a letter from her in every mail drop. To all of you who have been keeping up with the journal, I thank you and hope that you got a lot out of the entries. For those who wish to do a hike, I wish you all the luck. It is something that will open your eyes and be a life changing experience. And last but not least, I give all the glory to my heavenly Father. He took every step with me. He built up a confidence in me that I will never let go of. I know now that whatever life throws my way, I can handle it. I can endure it and along with His help, I can overcome it. Thanks to All!Leah "Ketchup" Spurlin