Date: 2018-02-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

"After Pennsylvania there are no more rocks in the trail." BUSTED: There are rocks, roots and ruts in the AT all the way. Of course, there are still pine-needle-soft stretches where you can actually enjoy a steady pace and drift into a "trekker's trance". The trail has discernable macro-rhythms and micro-rhythms."It's all downhill from here." RARELY: You'll hear well-meaning day-hikers tell you through encouraging smiles that "You're almost to Damascus", then you climb the humpty-bump you saw on the elevation profile but somehow ignored. "For some fool reason they lead you right up over the biggest boulder and the tallest mountain along the way," (That was actually Grandma Gatewood's quote.) TRUE: My theories are that none of the 31 volunteer trail clubs want a reputation of having the easiest section on the AT; many more section hikers come out for a challenging weekend climb; routing options are sometimes limited to the most rugged knife's edge; and, well, we didn't come here to walk a road."The best of the trail is never behind you." For NoBo hikers-I AGREE: Sometimes I feel that the Southern and Mid-Atlantic sections prepare NorthBounders for the Whites, which are spectacular, and then Maine is just outrageous. If SouthBounders can focus on the "journey is the destination", they will also be drawn forward to inspiring rewards. "Virginia is flat!" HA! See if you agree while descending the Priest then climbing Three Ridges. Of course, you'll have your "trail legs" before you reach Roan Mountain, so you may feel like cruising over terrain on Mt. Rogers, etc. which would have been more challenging before you became a lean, mean hiking machine."Nothing slows me down like a patch of wild berries." (That was Earl Shaffer) EAT THE BERRIES! The bears, birds and critters have millions more berries just beyond the trail where we hikers will not go. We can't deplete the food source and starve the wildlife. I do sometimes collect wild edibles if I won't kill the solitary plant, so ramps go in the ramen, morels get diced with Knorr sides, dandelion greens are added to mashed potato pouches and mint leaves are chewed or brewed in tea."It's hard to find a grumpy person on a long-distance trek." PROBABLY TRUE: We will be among like-minded adventurers; inspired by awesome natural surrundings; enjoying a balance of solitude and social connections, releasing endorphins and feeling great! Our daily ambition is to hike in a grand linear wilderness. We are happy hikers! Then there are situational challenges when we accept the realities: "I won't get to Katahdin today," and, "No rain, no pain? No Maine!" Just know your hike, hike your own hike, and like your hike. Trail families can be sources of mutual support and encouragement, but ultimately it is up to me to take another step, take another step, take . . ."The Trail provides." Uncannily, undeniably, unpredictably TRUE. Don't expect it, don't rely on it, just nod in appreciation when you receive something you need. This is not "trail magic"; and it may not be what you thought you needed. Accept what the trail provides and be grateful for this part of your personal trail history.