Appalachian Trail - Revisited
There is hardly a day that passes that I do not think about my experience on the Appalachian Trail. On a six month journey, I walked over 2,000 miles through 14 states, wearing through two pair of boots, to see the Eastern USA. I stopped along the way to visit small towns of America and the people living in those towns. I met hundreds of other hikers on the trail, all making a pilgrimage together.
How do I put into words the beauty that I saw? I saw painted sunsets, majestic mountains, and refreshing glacial ponds. I walked through rhododendrons in the South. I watched spring unfold with every step then witnessed all the leaves turn orange six months later. I saw hillsides carpeted with brilliant flowers in Smoky National Park. I saw butterflies that filled the spring air. I saw big rolling mountains in Georgia and open fields and farmlands in Virginia. I pet wild ponies in the Grayson Highlands. I was blown away with inspiring views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. I was amused by wild goats on a Virginia ridge line. I was frightened and in awe of spectacular thunder storms that shook the ground, lit the sky, and blew the tents. I was calmed by mossy rocks and bright green flora of New England. I awoke to Whip-poor-wills and Loons early in the morning. I slipped away in thought to the sound of cascading waterfalls. I admired eagles soaring as high as the tall peaks of the White Mountains.
How do I put into words the hardships I experienced? I walked day after day through blistering heat, cold pouring rain, and biting flies. I scrambled over giant boulders and down steep and slippery mountains. I carried heavy loads of extra water during the dry summer. I walked over torturous rocks in Pennsylvania. I endured mud bogs in Maine that never let my socks and shoes dry. I forded fast moving rivers. I only showered and washed once a week. I lived with no comforts other than what I carried on my back.
What about the fun I had with fellow hikers? I bowled and played whiffle-ball on the trail. I listened to music, watched movies, and ate at restaurants in town. I hung out all day at the beach with fellow hikers. I ate Ben & Jerry’s ice cream as if it was health food. I celebrated life. I met Earl Shaffer, the first person to ever thru-hike the AT. I met Bill Erwin and his family, the only blind person to hike the AT. I toured Washington DC with fellow hikers. I toured New York City with my wife. I partied at Trail Fest in Hot Springs, VA.; and again at Trail Days Parade in Damascus, VA. I got together with fellow hikers to make home cooked meals at the hostels. The stories shared, etc, etc.
The Appalachian Trail was an experience that will certainly last a lifetime.
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Why you should hike the Appalachian Trail
