If anyone ever tells you that sleeping on the ground is uncomfortable, well then, they’ve never walked 125 miles in 9 days. I’m so snug and bundled up inside my mummy sleeping bag right now, I may drift off any second. But then of course, I wouldn’t be able to give a good update on our progress.
We are now 596.4 miles into our 2181 mile journey. Over the last week or so it has really felt like we’ve been making good time and the miles seem to be ticking away. The last time I posted we had just crossed the 400 mile mark and early tomorrow we cross into the 600’s. It’s pretty unbelievable. I don’t know where the time has gone actually. It seems like so much has happened and yet looking back it also seems like nothing at all. Days have started to blend together, miles have added up, we’ve gone up mountains and we’ve gone down them. Being on the trail is a bit like being in a parallel universe. We cross paths with our normal lives once in a while, but ever so briefly, and then it’s right back to being in the woods.
Take for example Monday morning — we were sleeping at a shelter with 5 other hikers. We got up, made our instant oatmeal and via coffees, packed up our gear and threw it on our backs like usual. But just 4 miles north up the trail was a restaurant where we were all sure to go for a meal. When we each got there at our own paces, we found Fox News on the tv and Bin Laden dead. “Hmmm, I kind of forgot about him,” I thought, “what about Libyia or the Japanese earthquake?” and then proceeded to order a 16 oz hiker burger with the works and onion rings. And then I kind of forgot about it. I made a couple of phone calls, walked to the hotel to use their washing machine, drank a couple of cans of beer with other hiker laundry doers (because why not?), resupplied at the gas station mini-mart and off I went for 7 more miles on the trail. Had I been in my apartment in Brooklyn, I would have had WNYC (the local NPR station) on in every room, getting all of the up-to-the-minute commentary and information.
So I’m not really sure what to make of the world news. It certainly doesn’t affect me out here. It doesn’t seem to matter what I know or don’t know about the latest crisis. All I really need here is the weather report (and even that I can figure out on my own). It’s nice also to know when and where we’re getting our next food drop. And to maybe find out what other hikers are ahead or behind so we know who we’ll be seeing and chatting with. It’s certainly no vacation out here with all of the physical work we’re putting in – but it is a break of sorts from the norm. But I guess I knew that already — sometimes I’m just reminded of it more than others.
~Mel (Click, Melissa)
I wrote a dharma talk about this idea this fall. I’ll send it to you. It really made me think of the Simon and Garfunkel song “The Only Living Boy in New York.” There’s a line that says, “I get the news I need from the weather report.” Another line is, “Hey, I’ve got nothing to do today but smile.” Sending you hugs!
I definitely had that song in my head all day the other day! Hugs to you too!
I Googled to see how many books have been written about
(Through Hiking the entire,Appy Trail),and found 4910 results.
Oh my thats a lot of writing.
Cuzz I was wondering if you and your Dad, were going to write a book,as your posts and photos have been very interesting.
The most recommended book is one that is pretty resent.
(Becoming Odyssa,by Jennifer Pham) a college student.
Well anywho if you guys do decide to put your adventure in print I would buy a signed copy.
That is if it doesn’t cost over $25 bucks.
Glad your still having fun,and are both in good health, as well as keeping safe which is all I ask.
As far as local,and world news there is always something negative going on somewhere.
I myself make it a rule to not worry about anything,because worry is like rocking in a rocking chair.
You may be moving,but you are not going anywhere!
STAY SAFE!
Perry, we love hearing from you! Keep your good wishes coming our way; they are part of what keeps us movin’ along! We met a trucker named David Hill while we were in Atkins, Virginia few days ago. He asked us all about the hike and he was pretty amazed (and amused, I think) that we had walked all the way from Georgia. He gave us his number so we can call him when we get to Maine. He reminded me of you. Are all truckers so friendly?
Thanks Perry! I don’t know what we’ll be doing with all of the photos and writing yet. But in the meantime, if you want to get in some good reading, two of my favorite books on the AT are “A Walk in the Woods,” by Bill Bryson and “AWOL on the Appalachian Trail,” by David Miller. Bill Bryson’s book will make you laugh out loud!
“You don’t need a weather man to know which way the wind blows”- Dylan (which covers both the politics and the weather you mentioned)
I’m glad you stayed ahead of the tornado palooza the other day. Liss I love very much and I’m proud of you bothof you. Stay tough, stay on the trail, and stay in touch when you can. 🙂
D.
Aw, I love you too! Thanks for all of your continued support and trips to the post office. I really appreciate it!
xoxoxox
I love your posts, Mel. Your comments give me pause.
P.S. What fattening foods do you and your dad desire that I can send you?
How about a bucket of lard? I need the calories!
Fattening foods — hmmm…. I think we need to add the fat in little ways — like more candy bars in addition to our healthier granola bars, gatorade powder instead of just water, using full-fat milk powder along with our oatmeal, cereal and coffee, and adding fat by carrying olive oil or mayonnaise packets and adding those to meals. Also just by eating big when we get to towns. What you’ve been sending is wonderful!