December 1, 2017

It’s been exactly one month since we finished our thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.  Jay and I spent 2,190 miles living mostly in a tent, spending each day watching the scenery pass by at walking pace, challenging our bodies with continuous exercise.  The transition to a more ‘sophisticated’ lifestyle has been interesting.  Though I enjoy daily showers, my skin has rebelled against the increased use of soap.  I can’t deny delighting in a warm bed, but I miss waking to the sunrise breaking across a ridge top.  I find that I have totally forgotten how to cook.  Our first morning home, I burned the eggs!  However, seeing family and friends is the best part of being back in civilization, and I have enjoyed every moment of those visits.

Many people asked me why we did this long hike.  After eight months, I can only conclude that curiosity was what kept me going.  I was curious as to how my body would react to such a long trek.  And I was curious to see new places, new faces, new sights each day.  The path of the AT brings incredible variety to the traveler!

So, what is next?  Jay and I will enjoy sheltering through the winter.  We plan to pare down our belongings considerably.  After living for eight months with just the contents of the packs on our backs, a houseful of stuff is overkill.  I will be re-designing this blog, making it easier (I hope) to navigate.  And next spring, we will don hiking gear and set out again, ready to enjoy this incredibly wonderful earth we inhabit.