I don’t even know where to start? Let’s begin with, I will never, never ever sleep in a bivy again! It’s one of those very tight fits, coffin-like and when there’s rain, thunder and lightning, my tent is a much better option! I handed the bivy to a northbounder and was glad to offload it. Sayonara Bivy!

Needless to say, I was out of my confined little space at 6am. The morning was brisk and cool with a damp ground beneath me. I headed back to Tinker Cliff and had my morning coffee with cheese sticks. Then watched the sky turn all sorts of shades of pink. The sunrise was behind me but reflected and illuminated on the clouds in front of me. Just another perfect moment on the Appalachian Trail.

I have very little miles to hike today so I didn’t leave until 9am. I followed Tinker Ledges for sometime, before the trail went back into the woods. I scared a couple of deers as I plodded down the path. Then about a mile south, I encountered a Box Turtle. He must have felt my vibrations as he stopped dead in his tracks. His little head was still poking out but he was quite timid. I said hello and continued on my way. Hopefully he did too.

With our bit of rain yesterday and last night, the animal kingdom was awaken. An itsy bitsy orange salamander was frozen in fear, and I thought I gave it a heart attack. I touched him just to make sure he was alive and well. Sure enough he moved ever so slightly. I could only imagine I looked like Goliath, compared to his little bitty self. It’s amazing these tiny creatures stay alive out here!

The trail was so gentle today following the narrow ridgeline and huge rock formations. I had views on both sides on the trail when the trees weren’t hindering the vistas. But the trees are welcome as they sure keep things much cooler, and shade me considerably. I made it to Campbell Shelter, just north of McAfee Knob. I stopped for some water, read the logbook and moved along. I ran into a Nobo who was quite talkative. He was heading to the Lamberts Shelter and I told him of my secret watering hole. He told me it was getting harder and harder to acquire water and he was carrying four liters. Oh my, that’s eight pounds of water! Yep, no wonder his pack was so large.

The sun was shining brightly today and I was thrilled! It seems that most of my iconic vistas have been obscured by fog, low lying clouds or rain. But not today. I arrived at what I thought was McAfee Knob and started hooting and hollering. I grabbed Norman and celebrated. Then three people arrived and they told me it was around the corner. So I took a picture anyways, put my pack down, grabbed Norman and walked a bit further.

Sure enough, there it was. McAfee Knob in all her glory. And to my surprise, Reset had just arrived with her Mom! Oh my goodness, how much perfect could this have been. We all took pictures, danced around, Reset did her trademark handstand and we congradulated each other.

There was a day hiker Mark who lives in Roanoke and he was the resident photographer. He obviously has done this many times and choreographed the perfect scene for Norman and I. He had me go to the ledge as he dropped down into the abyss and snapped our photograph. For such a momentous occasion, I am so grateful that Mark was there. Thank you for capturing this memory which will be etched in my mind forever and ever! And just for the record. It won’t be repeated! Looking at this picture made my stomach queasy.

I made my way back to my original locale, picked up my pack and headed off the cliffs. The trail down was sandy with stepping stones. I started seeing tons of day hikers heading up. Good thing Norman and I got there at the perfect time. And left at the right moment too. I saw more people today than I’ve seen all week! It was like they opened the flood gates and everyone was itching to get to McAfee today.

I decided to stay at Catawba Shelter for three reasons. One, there is water. Two, I was told it was the nicest Shelter. And three, I’m going to stay out here for one final night. I arrived at the Catawba and it is a very nice shelter. Clean and fairly new with tall trees to shade the area and yes, there is a flowing spring. Scored! I swept the Shelter with it’s fairly clean broom and headed down for water. I figured being Friday night I’ll have company. So far, I’m it. Maybe everyone came here last weekend for Labor Day. Who knows, but not another hiker, Sobo, Nobo or Flip-Flop has beckoned to stay the night.

Norman and I had dinner. Well honestly, only I had dinner while Norman napped on the mat. We had a sleepless night so he’s exhausted. Plus it was a very busy day indeed. So how do I feel being my final night on the trail? It’s a mixture of emotions. I’m glad to be going home, to reunite with my husband and to see the rest of my family. I miss them all so terribly. Yet, there is a bit of sadness related to leaving this place behind.

I need to give the Appalachian Trail much more credit than I have in the past. This AT is more than just a ribbon of dirt, more than the longest and oldest “foot only” path in the world. It is a place where humanity and nature converge. It is difficult for me to reflect and honestly, too soon for me to consider. Yet I feel I know this for certain. This journey, has pushed my faith by leaps and bounds.

When I think about the past three plus months, I have had more hardships, incredible adversities to overcome, and more intense weather phenomenons than any other year that I have ever hiked! Honestly, there is no reason why I should’ve been able to persevere except for the sheer fact that the Lord was with me. I am strong but not this strong! I am capable but this was beyond anything I have ever experienced. I am stubborn as all get out, and never quit, but I sure had moments of throwing the towel in! Yet something bigger than me, kept me moving forward. I read something that Billy Graham wrote: “Suffering in life can uncover untold depths of character and unknown strengths for service.”

Your character is what allows you to follow through, to not give up even when things get tough! What holds most people back is the sheer desire for ease and comfort. Honor the struggle! It will make you stronger, more capable and much wiser in the end. And it just might uncover your calling!

I believe that there is much more to this trail than just hiking. It is more than taking one foot in front of the other. There is something so profound about being present with the Lord, and knowing why God created me. We all have a gift-a passion that God instilled in us. It’s up to us to find it.

For now, I am going to walk slowly off this trail tomorrow. I will be greeted by two of my dearest friends, Elisa and Ron. But until then, I will embrace the night, rain or shine, and praise Jesus for his grace and mercy. What a wonderful and inspiring journey He has taken me on!