Several transitional events are worth describing. First, my father-in-law Bill took me back to the AT after two nights in Gettysburg. One thing is certain when I am in the company of Bill: there is excellent food and great wine to be enjoyed! We also explored the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum. The AT traverses places that are important to the history of the U.S., and for me understanding the history of Gettysburg reinforced the importance of the historical context of the AT.
Second, today is Day 100 of the journey! Third, it is the last full day I will be in Pennsylvania.
While on the trail today I thought about the day one week ago when the very heavy rain fell all morning and why I considered the day so important that I spent several days writing a very elaborate description of that day, the challenges and my responses to conditions I faced. In some notes I saved earlier this year I found this:
“Mistakes and poor decisions in Adventure have real consequences. Self reliance is the best skill to overcome the risks.”
Some friends who know me best understand that I have dealt with very real consequences! The theme of “adventure” is one huge reason I have embraced long distance hiking for 30 years. Over the course of five-plus months I am going to encounter extraordinary challenging events and situations. While in those extended moments, if I feel more alive, then I “get it.” Further, adventuring does not define who I am. Rather, it reveals what I am made up of.
What that rainy day one week ago revealed is that I still have the drive to take some risks and be self-reliant while facing the dragons that inevitably will come after us, even on the AT which often feels too close to civilization in some places. For me a big deal at 67 years old! Tonight I hiked off the trail and made a true stealth camp in the forest to feel some remoteness. It reminds me that if no other human can find or see me I feel more self-reliant.
Way to go Roger! Very impressive to reach the 100 day mark. As you describe, there is continual insights and learnings to be made on the trail and in life. Congratulations.
Always enjoy reading about the hike and the introspection that it creates. Enjoy amigo. TW
It was a joy to listen to your adventures with a great meal and a glass of wine. Travel safely.
Oh my goodness you are headed into some lovely easy trail. And in the fall it is so beautiful. There’s not much hard hiking until the Priest. And if they are all still open you can pick up food each day through the Park. Light pack!!!!! You’ll have to push the “hiker -bored” deer out of the way.