ONE – Because I’ve never done anything like this, but it is within my capability to do it. It will be difficult, challenging, strenuous, a little scary (bears?!?), and also rewarding, exciting and fun!! As the saying goes, “Because I can!”
TWO – I have read two inspiring books:
Force of Nature: Three Women Tackle the
John Muir Trail by Joan M. Griffin.
The JMT is 213.7 miles from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney in CA. The
trail goes through (and over!) the Sierra Mountains. It takes most people about 3 weeks covering
10-12 miles each day. The three women
are in their fifties, nearing retirement age.
They are all experienced hikers and have done pack hiking for much of
their lives.
and A Walk for Sunshine by
Jeff Alt, in which he hikes the Appalachian Trail (AT) - 2,190 miles, from
Georgia to Maine. It takes the average “thru-hiker”
(one who does the entire trail all at once) 5-7 months to hike the entire AT,
covering 14-20 miles per day.
We actually hiked about 4 miles of the AT while we were staying
near Gettysburg, PA, this summer. It was
a great section of trail and we walked up to one of the shelters and had a nice
visit with the volunteer caretaker.
THREE – I have a new hip and I want to get full value from
it! If you’d have asked me prior to Dec
2023 if I would ever consider doing such a thing, I would have definitively
said NO! I did not think I would be physically
capable. Granted, I have not carried
more than a 10lb pack yet, so I’m still not 100% sure how I’ll manage 50lbs,
but otherwise – all the joints and body parts are mostly working very well and I’m
definitely up for the challenge. I mean –
what can be bad about getting into great physical shape, building strength and
endurance, and experiencing a little discomfort because I have to sleep in a
tent for a week or so?
Am I concerned about difficulties on the trail? So many things to think about – blisters,
injuries, food, water sources, toileting, etc – this will NOT be a walk in the
park! Ha! In a different book, the sage,
fabulous “older” woman gave some excellent advice to the inexperienced younger
woman who is just finding her way in the world:
“Don’t Worry… Plan!” Just the
best advice Ever – very deep, loaded with meaning, and easy to remember!
The Big Idea is still in planning and sorting stage – there’s
a LOT to figure out and gear and supplies to purchase. Heck – we don’t even know where or when we’re
going yet…. But we can start training
and planning and practicing tent camping again.
Don’t be surprised if you see me walking around town with a big pack on
my back. I’m trying to borrow the
toddler grandkids – carrying a 30lb kiddo I can “play” with seems like more fun
that a bag of rocks.
These initial blog posts will be intermittent and sporadic –
I’ll only really write when there’s something to share. Eventually, I hope to get on a regular
schedule, but not until after Jan 1 – let’s just enjoy the holidays and our
families between now and then, huh?
Here’s hoping you have a very Thankful Thanksgiving next
week! Maybe I’ll find a “Gobble til You
Wobble” 5k to join.
Schlepp; schlepping: Drag, Haul; to proceed or move
especially slowly, tediously, awkwardly or reluctantly, with effort.
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