What's up on the Appalachian Trail

Day 41 on this huge adventure. It seems like I have just started. Probably because in those 41 days I have taken 15 days off - today being one of them. While I am relaxing on this sunny day but cold day, I thought I would blog a little update on how things are going. I have been posting my trek on YouTube, but I know not everyone uses that application. So, for those of you who prefer to read, this is for you.

My third time on the trail is turning out to be a charm. It didn't start out that way. Day one climbing those stairs out of Amicalola State Park had me truly thinking why was I our here again. Then to start so early with the weather being as fickle as a two year old, the cold has been driving me out of the woods and into the safety and comfort of hostels, hotels, and a friend's house. Even as I sit here looking out the window with the sun set in a cloudless sky, if you aren't in its direct path, it is cold.

Even though the weather is wearing on my movitation big time, it is because of the bad weather that I have been able to enjoy so much of the other gifts hiking the Appalachian Trail has to offer. My first two times were amazing; both having their own unique personalities and this third time is proving to have it's own distinctness as well. Because I started so early, the weather is colder, much colder. I used to be able to handle the cold, not any more.

So now, any hint from the weather channel of nights dipping in the 30's or less or snow or rain, I am looking for a way off trail. Because of this new tactic several wonderful things are taking place. The first being, I am getting plenty of rest and real food which is powering me through the next section I tackle. Second, I have been able to visit several hostels, that I hadn't done before. At those places I interacted with other hikers I haven't seen. That is one of the wonderful things about thru-hiking also - meeting all the fantastic and even some shady - characters. The hiking community is what keeps me close to those white blazes.

I am still learning so much about myself. It's hard to believe that I am still not perfect after 60 years of improvement. I know, that's hard to believe, but it is true. Long days in solititude with just me and God and the squirrels and birds to talk to allows me to focus on things that I don't usually have time for. I solve all the worlds problems. I correct all my short-comings. I make grand plans for the future. I write ballards. I paint materpieces in my head to put on canvas later. But when that later comes, all that productivity in my brain when I am out on the trail fades as soon as I drop my pack into the shuttle driver's vehicle. But it is great. The fresh air, the physical activity, and the peacefulness of the woods is like a refreshment for my soul even if all those good intentions never come to fruition.

My rough start and wanting to quit have slowly been waining with each day as I get stronger. But It is only because I have learned that this hike must be different from the other two if I am going to succeed. I no longer have the gift of youth to propel me over mountains and through icky weather. I need and desire more comfort. So, I am getting it whenever I can, and boy is it fun.

Yesterday I slack-packed again. It was a short hike but with good inclines - there are always inclines. I had a deer blow at me then saw five deer total running away from me down in the valley. Right before ending the day, I heard something. I stopped. I looked around. There up on the ridge from me was a juvenile bear meandering in the forest. They were my first large wildlife sightings.

Earlier this week I was able to hike with my son, Patch for three days and two nights. That was most enjoyable. We had nice weather meaning no rain, but when the sun set, the temps dipped and didn't return until the sun was high in the sky. Even then a second layer was needed at breaks. One morning Patch woke to frost on his tarp.🥶 On that section since I jumped ahead, I ran into two of my favorite hiker friends - Blue Jay and Prophet who have sailed past where I actually am. We parted ways one soggy cold day when I needed to stop.

I have met so many wonderful hikers already on this hike. My hiking speed or lack of, and taking so many days off, means I will probably always be a solo hiker. Leap-frogging is common for me to do with hikers, but eventually because, I just can't keep pace I find myself eventually in solitude. But that isn't such a bad thing. I get to meet so many different people. Just yesterday alone I met Check-Mate, a guy from the Czech-Republic. I told him his name needs to be Big Foot, because he was talk and broad, had furry black hair and a beard, and wore all black. Then there was Good Vibes from Portugal and last Dalton the dog and Double D - Dalton's Dad.

I am chilling with two of my favorites, Cowboy and Goldbond while we regroup and bypass some cold weather. There are so many others and there will be more to come. The people on the trail are amazing. We all are a little nutty in our own way, but awesomeness connects us all. If you want to experience some of the many faces of the Appalachian Trail but do not want to climb the inclines, endure the heat and cold, or sleep with strangers, just grab yourself a map and find a road crossing with an A.T. trailhead. Bring a cooler with beverages - Gatorade, OJ, Dr. Pepper, Orange soda, Moxie - no diet crap 😆 we need the calories. Set out some chairs and wait for the homeless-by-choice hikers to wander in. If you are feeling really enegetic, a grill with hot dogs or burgers always puts a smile on a weary hiker. Having a trash bag too is amazing. Then just sit back and ask us anything you want to about our hike. We love to talk about our journey as we eat your food. 🥰

Hopefully by my next post, my quitting desire will be further from my mind. But I am sure there will be days when I wish I was home because after the cold comes the bugs and heat. 🤪 My trail name should be Goldie Locks instead. It seems like I complain it it too hot, then it will be too cold. Then it is too windy. Then it will be too crowded. Then too lonely. But I will remind myself to stop complaining or go home. And most importantly, to always enjoy the little things.

Happy Hiking,

Black Bear