May 17
It happened this morning for the second time since I have been walking alone. My head was down watching my steps, my mind was occupied, and without knowing it I was off the AT and following a side trail. The first time it happened I walked for close to a half mile before I figured it out. Today didn't take so long. The solution to the problem is to get my head up and keep in focus not only my immediate steps, but also the ultimate path that will get me where I want to be.
Side trails can be nice. Todays wrong trail led to a beautiful overlook. The problem is they take time, energy, and focus that could better be used to reach the real goal. There are tons of life lessons there if I could only learn them!
Today was an outstanding day. It was so hard to get started, but once on the trail things fell into place. I felt stronger than I have in many days, and the day rolled before me. I was right where I needed to be.
I stopped for lunch at a pond created years ago by someone damming up a spring. At one time there must have been a mill there, or something that needed the power of the captured water. Today it was peaceful and beautiful. A pair of bulldogs were trying their best to outdo one another in noise making. I fed the fish and watched a giant turtle slide into the depths.
I did see another snake along the trail. This one was a copperhead hiding in the rocks and leaves beside the path. I would love to see a deer, a wild turkey, a chipmunk, or even a bear. It seems all I get are snakes! I don't think I'm out here to learn to be a snake handler!
My day ended with a thunderstorm. I stopped at 11 miles still feeling good and have enjoyed a fire and the company of several hikers who also came in from out of the storm. Once the rain stopped we pitched our tents and settled in for the evening. After dark, a lone college girl came into camp, tired from a long day of hiking. All is quiet and the fire has died down. It's hiker midnight and all is well.
It happened this morning for the second time since I have been walking alone. My head was down watching my steps, my mind was occupied, and without knowing it I was off the AT and following a side trail. The first time it happened I walked for close to a half mile before I figured it out. Today didn't take so long. The solution to the problem is to get my head up and keep in focus not only my immediate steps, but also the ultimate path that will get me where I want to be.
Side trails can be nice. Todays wrong trail led to a beautiful overlook. The problem is they take time, energy, and focus that could better be used to reach the real goal. There are tons of life lessons there if I could only learn them!
Today was an outstanding day. It was so hard to get started, but once on the trail things fell into place. I felt stronger than I have in many days, and the day rolled before me. I was right where I needed to be.
I stopped for lunch at a pond created years ago by someone damming up a spring. At one time there must have been a mill there, or something that needed the power of the captured water. Today it was peaceful and beautiful. A pair of bulldogs were trying their best to outdo one another in noise making. I fed the fish and watched a giant turtle slide into the depths.
I did see another snake along the trail. This one was a copperhead hiding in the rocks and leaves beside the path. I would love to see a deer, a wild turkey, a chipmunk, or even a bear. It seems all I get are snakes! I don't think I'm out here to learn to be a snake handler!
My day ended with a thunderstorm. I stopped at 11 miles still feeling good and have enjoyed a fire and the company of several hikers who also came in from out of the storm. Once the rain stopped we pitched our tents and settled in for the evening. After dark, a lone college girl came into camp, tired from a long day of hiking. All is quiet and the fire has died down. It's hiker midnight and all is well.
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