Date: 2006-10-17
To: Conclusion
Miles today: 0.0

Well I have had 2 weeks to acclimate myself back to civilization. I am adjusting to the loud noises, and the speed of everything around me. I have had time now to review and reflect upon my last 6 months and how it has affected me. I still look at everything I happen to put in my pockets each day and estimate the weight of it and if I really do need to carry it. And I still review the calorie count of what I eat, but now it is in an attempt to eat less rather than more. I still look at a hill or mountain in the distance and wonder how long it would take me to walk to it. I pass a wooded area and wonder what may be in there to see, and hear, and smell. I wonder if these thoughts will fade in time. Will I return to the speed and pace of the civilized, working world, or will I again retreat to my comfort and security of the wilderness. A wilderness that was my home for 6 full months. A wilderness that existed before I arrived and hopefully will continue for many years to give comfort and security to others in the future. I began my journey in Northern Georgia in late March. For the first weeks I walked along as the forest was still in its winter sleep. The trees barren of leaves, the forest floor open and brown. Silent except for the cool breeze that blew. My new home was dark and cold. I felt I was an unwelcome intruder. As I reached Tennessee, North Carolina and Virgina. I found myself welcomed by my host with the explosion of spring. I saw the process unveil itself before my eyes. First the buds, then the small brightly colored leaves on the trees followed by flowers of all types and colors. Flowers on the trees, and on plants, and vines, and on the ground covering the forest floor as if a spring snow had fallen. Fragrances overwhelming and encompassing me spread by the now warmer and stronger spring breeze. The forest and fields came alive with new life. Butterflies, birds and babies. Noises of spring in the form of singing birds, croaking frogs, and chirping crickets make up a spring symphony.By late June I encountered summer and its doldrums. Beautiful in its own way, but more difficult to see as I traveled along. Distractions such as the heat, and the bugs wear on me. But I still am treated to the beauty of my world by the site of beautiful valleys. The views of fields full of growing crops. The fragrance of freshly cut hay. The splendid taste of fresh natural blackberries, cherries, raspberries picked straight from the bush. The sound of a pristine wilderness stream cool and inviting. Perfect for a mid day break.As I near the end of my journey my reward is the pinnacle of beauty in the wilderness. Magnificent colors of gold, orange, crimson and yellow embrace me. View upon view of painted mountains and valleys. Lakes and ponds act a mirrors to multiply and add to the beauty around me. The air is now cool and crisp. Stars fill the night sky and appear to be just barely beyond my reach. I have had the privilege to experience all this beauty in the past 6 months. AS payment I have experienced the challenges as well. The terrible terrain. The steep, steep climbs, and descents The seemingly endless rain. The flooded trail, the tedious and dangerous stream crossings. The stifling heat, and the swarm of bugs that can push a person to the near point of insanity. Blisters, and cuts. Exhaustion and hunger. In retrospect the price I paid for what I experienced and now have as a life long memory was a bargain. Now 2 weeks after finishing I already am saying I would do it all again.I could go on detailing my experiences and visions but this is to be a conclusion. So in conclusion I think as advise to all I can only say what has been in front of you say since you began this journey with me. It's right there, below my signature. The world will roll on while you are gone. It will not falter or fail even though you think that it will in your absence. Friends, family will remain friends and family. Jobs will still exist when you return. Your life to live is here now, not later. Today is that someday you were waiting for.Clay