Not an Option

I am a member of Whiteblaze, a great hiker community and today there is a thread going of real determination to complete the trail. I have been reading posts by thru hikers that finished the hike with kidney stones, a broken arm, dislocated patella. That quitting was not an option. I am truly amazed by their stories. I must admit that I have wondered if I can do this with so many obstacles in my way. Physical, mental, gear-wise, etc But there are courageous stories out there of people triumphing over adversity. Marching forth. Destiny on their wings that moves them unlike anything else. And I know without a doubt this has been my destiny. For years really. There is no option of not doing it. Letting it go. Quitting in the middle. As Patton once said - I must be allowed to fufill my destiny. And the AT is my destiny for 2007.

Only three months to go.

Thanksgiving Week

I have plenty to be thankful for as I enter this Thanksgiving week. Especially for the opportunity to do a thru hike, a dream I have had since I was a teen. We were hoping to get out this week and do a section between James River and Tye River in VA but it didn't work out. I have too much writing to accomplish and early deadlines to meet (books must be in house for the editors so they can be checked before I leave on my hike). So we will likely do the section during the thru unless something opens up in Jan or Feb. Those months will certainly be a flurry of activity as I prepare with lists, mail drops, etc. Not only for the thru but to make sure everything is set on the home front as well. A lot to think about. I do get out and walk. I figure by December I will be getting out more and more with my pack on my back around the neighborhood. For now I am trying to walk four miles with my hiking poles to get limbered up. Maybe I can throw in a few day hikes here and there, but this is a very busy time of year, for certain. I'll be glad to do what I can. Every little bit helps. But I know nothing can truly prepare you except doing the actual hike itself.

Section Hike to Harper's Ferry

Here we are on the bridge heading for Harper's Ferry. Had a pretty but windy weekend, starting at Ashby Gap and ending at the famous town known for John Brown's raid and also the headquarters of the ATC. A dream come true for me as I have always wanted to hike into the town. You can see details of the trip if you check out the link to "AT sections hikes done" along with many photos.