Our weather forecasting in these parts are a bit lacking. I was told to prepare for cold temps, down in the low 30”s . I took this into account when I selected my piece of real estate last night. I parked away from the bluff and found a sequestered spot tucked away in what I call mangroves. I’m not sure if they are but they look all gnarly with red twisted bark and waxy green leaves. Anyhow they protected me from foreign invasion, no mice, no bears, no tics and no freezing temperatures.

Feeding the Hungry

When I took off today, my original plan was to hike into “Around the Bend Hostel.” Unfortunately, there was no room at the inn. Instead of getting a motel room in Hiawassee, I decided to position myself to reach the Hostel early tomorrow. This will give me a Nero as we say, little miles on a town day. My only dilemma is I’m out of food. Actually I still have a package of miso soup, some summer sausage and coffee but not enough to sustain my belly for the next The Crusaders for Christ came to the rescue. On my way to Deep Gap Shelter, they left provisions for me. Two bags of Top Ramen and BBQ Chicken. A hikers dream dinner. I’m set for one more night in the woods.

Glorious Woman

Today the women came back to the trail. I met several gals, all thru hiking and camped at Deep Gap. I so enjoy the company of other females, especially ones that are filthy dirty and stinky like me. We all talked about our lives back home, our families and what we want to eat when we get to town. There were quite a few hikers that showed up as the day grew on. Close to 12-15 which is the biggest bubble I’ve been in. Most have been hiking 6-7 miles a day. Just taking it slow and working up to bigger miles as the weeks go on.

Mexicali Reach out

It was a fun evening and I had a chance to share my grandson’s Sid’s experience in Mexicali over Easter Break. He went down there with our church to help build homes, interact with the children and deepen their faith in the Lord. Sid came back a changed young man, became part of an accountability group, and made new friendships. At church last Sunday, they talked about the teens and their long days. They’d get up early in the morning when the sun came up and would be in evening worship late at night. They had a picture that showed up in Sunday morning worship of one of the teens sleeping through the service. The blonde with his eyes closed and mouth wide open is my grandson! We all need rest from time to time.

Sabbath

Today was my sixth day of hiking without rest. As I was walking today, I was listening to a Audio Book about Spirituality that a dear friend shared with me. It talked about rest, and how in the Ten Commandments, a day of rest is the longest verse. It shared a story of Pioneer’s who were moving across America and as the trip became longer, and winter was getting closer, they argued and quarreled about pushing through without their practiced Sabbath. Half of the group continued with honoring their day of rest, even though winter was quickly approaching. But the second group pushed through tired and weary, trying to beat the changing weather. The faithful group made it safely to Oregon, as they were able to travel longer during their work days because they had adequate rest weekly. The others did not fare as well.

I am going in for a Sabbath tomorrow. My body is ready to recoup, relax and praise the Lord for getting me this far. It was not my planned day off trail but it is well needed and God-honoring. There are many times I push myself to the point of exhaustion. What good is that and what does it serve? Only pride and dishonor of the Lords’ desire for us. Even God rested after he created the heavens and earth. And so shall I.

““Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20:8-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In the words of my Grandson Quin “That was the best day ever!” I woke up to frost on my tent but the sky was crystal blue. I happened to be the only person on this ridgeline and it was glorious! I had missed the vistas yesterday because of the constant rain, sleet and mist, but today more than made up for it. When I opened my vestibule of my tent, I saw this magnificent sunrise.

I meandered down the trail in no big rush. It was such a whimsical day with green luscious plants, shrubs, bushes and pines. The trees without leaves were still in the foreground but greenery had taken over. Thank goodness. It appears winter is still alive and well as there were ice crystals on the ground and icicles hanging from the waterfalls. Did I say it was freezing last night?

Today was a sharp contrast from yesterday. There were so many day hikers and thru hikers near me. Maybe with the sunshine, people came out of their shelters and meandered back to the trail. I met the nicest people out and about. This sweet couple Lorraine and Marshall stopped to talk with me. Marshall asked if I wanted an apple? Of course I do, and to my chagrin, it was my most favorite Green Pippin Apple! What a blessing I thought. As Lorraine and I talked, she asked my name so she could pray for me and my safety on the trail. I shared with her my blog and my faith. God knew just what I needed today. While at Unicola Gap, a trail runner asked if he could take my trash. He was headed home and there were no trash receptacles for hikers. Wow, I was double-blessed in such a very short time. I thought I was suppose to be doing the blessing? Like I said earlier, it was the best day ever!

My only concern so far, is my mileage. I had anticipated that I’d be hiking more miles daily. I just can’t seem to get my rhythm or my trail legs. The constant ups and downs, which many call PUDS (Pointless Ups & Downs) are more than I anticipated. It seems you never really get to stretch your legs out or hit overdrive because there’s numerous rocks, roots and PUDS in the way. On many of the trails I’ve hiked in the past, the trail is groomed like a ski hill, all the bumps mowed down and easy graded cruising hills. I haven’t found this in Georgia. They say that Georgia and The Whites in Vermont are the hardest parts of the trail. I’m not sure if that’s gospel. I just think that Georgia is the first state and hikers are trying to find their way. Anyhow, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with my spreadsheet and schedule. I may consider throwing the spreadsheet to the wind and just doing what I can and knowing that God has me right where he needs me. Now that’s a thought!

Today I met a new group of hikers. All the people I was hiking with before have left the trail for the finer things in life like showers, laundry, flush toilets and running water. So I’m in a new bubble. Most of the guys, yes all men, have started a few days before me so I’m not that terribly slow. I caught up with Matt who is SpeedBumps #14 Walking Stick Recipient. He said he’s becoming quite fond of his new walking stick these days.

As I made it to camp tonight, I thanked the Lord for this incredible day. I had many interactions with hikers. Some Christians that recognized my cross on my pack and proclaimed their faith also. The Brothers who I have dubbed “Two Men in a Shed” are Crusaders for Christ. It seems that the good Lord is surrounding me with like-minded people and sprinkling in opportunities to speak the truth to others. I am just here for His purpose and to shower others with love. What a glorious God I serve.

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As the saying goes “No Pain- No Rain -No Maine”. Last night there was talk of rain and this time, the forecasters were spot on. It started raining around dinner time as everyone was out talking about the day, the plans for tomorrow and life on the trail. I headed to my tent and it proceeded to rain all night and pretty much all day!

Spring in Georgia

So I’m starting to get a sense of what this trail is gonna be. The fact is it’s Springtime in Georgia. The East Coast has weather like no other. In California, where I reside, we get a sprinkle of winter and spring in a few weeks, but nothing like this!

The fact is, I’ve had a couple of marvelously sunny days where I was thinking, hmmm this ain’t so bad. But today, arg, it was cold, wet, and soggy. I was once again, the first one out on the trail this morning. No one was in a hurry to get wet and cold.

Tiptoeing Through Puddles

I hit the trail around 7:30am and passed by a few hikers who were still bundled up in their tents. My new friend Emily, now named “Sunshine” was the first to pass me. She was flying down the trail like a Ninja, all in black and walking right through the puddles.

I, on the other hand, was tip toeing around, wanting to make sure I didn’t submerge my non-waterproof trail runners in a pool of muck! But that failed miserably and I gave in to the soaking of my feet and toes. Instead of Gortex, I typically go for plastic bags over my socks and then place my feet in my shoes. It wards off the trench foot for a short period of time. Then I just pray that the sun will shine again and the puddles will disappear. Oh such nativity I have.

My friends “The Ravens” are Triple Crowners. They have hiked all three long distant hikes in the US with their two kids. As I was preparing for this journey, I talked with them and they shared such insight. One thing that stuck was that the year they hiked the AT, 44% of their days on the trail were rain! I’m thinking like a drizzle, a quick moving shower but they informed me, no it rained all day. Dang, that’s a lot of rainy days! So far I’m batting 25% which is tolerable as long as it’s not two or three days in a row, please.

Solitude & God

Needless to say, today was a solitude day. No one was stopping for lunch. In fact I only saw “Sunshine” for a quick moment, one guy who was contemplating if he really wanted to continue hiking, and three day hikers heading southbound. I was in my thoughts, in my head, and trying to tap into what God is trying to teach me right now?

When you have all this time, and if you truly want to dive deeper in your relationship with the Lord, it takes being quiet. I can fill my mind with meaningless thoughts. What will I eat when I get to town? Where will I stay? I need a shower and my clothes stink already! But God wants me just to be with him. He needs my undivided attention, my mind, body and spirit to be tapped into what he wants to show me.

Today as I was walking, there were these small creatures, snails, slugs, worms that were exposed with all the rain. There were birds jumping from branch to branch and squirrels darting across the trail in front of me. Not one of God’s creations seemed phased by the torrential downpour that occurred earlier or the continuous rain that was overhead. They were still doing what needed to be done.

As I was hiking today, I knew that God wanted me to keep walking. He has plans for us and right now, he is just starting to weed my mind clear of clutter. All he wants is for me to trust the process, no matter how damp or wet it gets, how muddy I become, it is all part of preparing me for what’s ahead. So like the creatures of this world, truly all I need to do right now, is listen to his counsel.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go. I will counsel you with my eye on you. Psalm 32:8

What a most glorious day it is indeed! I couldn’t stop thinking about what a wonder it was when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to Jesus’ tomb and he was not there. They had to be afraid and fearful of what the Romans may have done. But when Jesus appears, what rejoicing was to come. I woke up this morning to the most perfect morning filled with gobbling turkeys and birds soaring high above. I couldn’t of prayed for a better day.

Blood Mountain

This was the infamous Blood Mountain climb that all speak of. It is a rock scramble that we haven’t seen before, with stairs chiseled out of the native rock. Yesterday with all the mist and fog, it would’ve been bloody hard to see the trail, let alone climb it. But today, was spectacular. I was the first in our group of ten to breakdown camp and head up to this incredible battle field.

Evidently there were two Indian Tribes that wanted to preserve the rights to defend this rock. After many had lost there lives, the rock was covered in blood. Hence the name Blood Mountain. Just as Jesus shed his blood for us, for our salvation, these natives lost their life for nothing but a rock! Hard to understand.

Sweeping Vistas

It took me a couple of hours but it was so worth the climb. Once atop the hill, a group of Floridians told me to check out the vista from atop the big boulder. Oh my, what a miraculous view it was. The Georgia Mountains were peaking above the low lying clouds. I just stood in awe thanking our Lord for this incredible sight, the physicality to actually attempt it and for his blessing of giving his life for me, and you.

I stayed for a bit of time and finally started the decent down this precarious rock slab. The only way to truly know which way to go was the random white blazes on the rocks and slabs. There were few trees, mostly low brush but lots of boulders. The trail finding for slow going but I finally made it to somewhat level ground and came out of the woods to Neels Gap – Mountains Crossings. This is such a welcome sight for all.

Every Hikers Delight

Mountain Crossings is a haven for thru-hikers as you can find anything you need for the trail! Along with that, all the food and drink you could desire, except alcohol. This stretch ch of Georgia is a dry county on Sundays. And needless to say, this store doesn’t supply beer or any other libation anytime. So Pizza and Ginger Ale were on the menu. I stayed for a few hours, eating, charging my phone, getting water, attempting to find Wi-Fi, and just relaxing on a bench! There is something civilized about sitting on a bench rather than a log or rock.

Wolverine Duty

One of the hikers I’ve been hiking around is named Elijah. Elijah has a rather heavy pack, and asked Waffle- Trail Expert, to Wolverine his pack. With all his possessions laid out on the floor, she proceeded to talk about every piece of gear, equipment, and personal items that he had. By the time she was done, his pack weight was down by ten pounds! Happy Easter Elijah. You will be much lighter and less burdened, on the trail.

Rainy Days and Sundays

I headed back out on the AT, while most of the group I’ve been hiking with, spoke of jumping off trail for hotels and hostels. The weather forecast predicts rain for the next few days, and they are hoping for clear skies before returning. That could be a long ways off or from what I’ve seen, the precipitation may never materialized. The one thing I have learned on the AT is that the weather reports are quite exaggerated and seldom accurate.

I decided to keep hiking. By the time I was up the trail one mile, it did start raining, but ever so slightly. I found a nice piece of ground and pitched my nightly home. Before I knew it, there were several of the pack who decided to stay on trail after all. We all had dinner, hung our food bags and prepared for the forecast of impending doom. We’ll see. For now, I’m as snug as a bug in a rug!

“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it…..The angel said to the women, Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:1-2, 5 NIV‬‬

What a morning I had. About 3:45am the sky flashed and the thunder clashed. For about two hours, thunderstorms loomed overhead. I cannot say I have ever heard thunder that rolled for minutes on end. A few lightning bolts were directly above my head that it felt as if it shook my tent! By 6am, the water was flowing into my tent and it was definitely time to pack up and leave this place!

Misty Morning

Once I was packed and ready to hit the trail, the rain lightened up to a mere drizzle. It was a misty day for the most part. A few moments of sun poked her head out but she didn’t last long. Actually for me, the weather couldn’t of been better. The mist kept the climbs cooler and the downhills were fairly tame so I didn’t get sweaty.

My Dawgs are Screaming

My feet are another issue. Arg, my dawgs were yelling at me today. Early this morning my feet were content, but by noon, they weren’t too happy with this constant movement. There is always the break-in period somewhat like dating. You meet your new partner, you try ‘em out and you either work through the quirks, or you move on. I’m feeling like I’m working through this fact. Silly me, had a pedicure right before I left for the trail and my over zealous technician took away all my callouses. My feet are tender and really mad!

I found a creek, took off my shoes and socks, and my little footsies were submerge in fairly therapeutic, freezing water! I wasn’t feel any discomfort from the watery grave that I entered. I could’ve stayed much longer but it was time to head to camp.

Blaze Tattooing

On my way to camp, I met a maintenance guy named Steve, who tends to the trail. He was getting prepared to paint new white blazes on the trees. He has a stencil and latex paint, and covers each blaze with two coats. These blazes are what keep hikers orientated to the right course. There are blue blazes that indicate water or a side trail. There’s double blazes which I believe show an intersecting trail and then there’s the slightly offset doubles blazes that tell you there’s a turn coming up.

I’m sure you’re wondering if thru hikers are that dumb and need all these blazes? Well I would say yes, we are. These trails out here are much different than anything on the west coast. There are trees, and more trees that look virtually the same from one bend to the next. So these blazes keep you safely on the trail and hopefully not lost in the woods. And even with these perfectly painted blazes, there are still hikers that get themselves in a world of hurt and lost off-trail.

The Trail Provides

When I got to camp tonight, there were several hikers that I had met along the way. Pepper, Michelle, Elijah, the Brothers and the Couple. I was hoping there would be enough room for my tent and to my surprise, the place had several spots available. I headed over to what appeared to be a level spot and somewhat dry from the rain last night. As I’m walking around, clearing my potential new plot of dirt, I found a single tent stake laying on the ground. I was floored. I somehow was one stake short when I pitched my tent last night. Last ditch effort, I had to find a rock and improvised.

My growing list of things I planned to pick up at Mountain Crossings included one single tent stake! But as we say, the trail provides. Just when you need something, you find just what you’re looking for. Incredible and glorious luck or fate, whatever you want to call it, it was mine for the taking. So now my tent is properly staked and pitched and I’m ready for bed.

My trail angels Ron & Elisa drove me to Amicoloa Fall State Park. All northbound thru-hikers register and get their most revered tag. This year.it is Hot Pink and my number is 2849.

Once I complete the safety talk regarding Leave No Trace. LNT principles, hear all about the Georgia hospitality and know where and how to poop in the woods, I am able to obtain my tag. It is securely fastened on my backpack which weighs in at 22.2 pounds with five days of food. My back is thanking me already!

My friend Elisa and I decide to slack pack the Approach Trail. This means no big not-so-heavy backpack in tow. Just a day pack. The trail is beautiful with the largest waterfall this side of the Mississippi. There’s something like 750 stairs to get to the top and another 1500’ climb to Springer Mountain. We power through, stopping for some Snooby snacks to give us the energy we need.

I have done much reading about this trail but had no idea that the Approach Trail truly is the way to the beginning. At the top of this rock was the infamous bronze plaque depicting the Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Good Lord, to think if I would have missed this and started hiking from the parking lot, After hiking 2188 miles, I would’ve missed completing the trail! So you novices out there, you gotta do the Approach Trail!

Ron, our Uber driver friend, arrived at Springer Mountain parking lot and drove us to our swanky lodge. We were already checked in and as I was looking for a shuttle for sn early morning departure, just as the hotel restaurant closed! Arg, so what did we do? We went to Dollar General and had the finest dinner you can have from a microwave. Best laid plans of mice and men!

Today is the day that my journey on the Appalachian Trail began. On Good Friday, my feet finally touched Georgia dirt. It’s truly hard to describe the feelings into words. My stomach had butterflies, I had tears in my eyes and honestly, there is always a bit of fear that plaques me. This is such unknown territory for me.

Picture Perfect Beginning

The morning was picture perfect. The sky was blue with contrails crisscrossing above me. The trail was free of mud and somehow without dust. The birds were welcoming me with song, and the forest was glistening. My friend had described it as “The Enchanted Forest” and she was spot on! Creeks were flowing, flowers were blooming and trees were just starting the leaf out.

As I took my first steps, there were a couple of guys who were getting ready for a section hike. They were from The Carolinas and had that southern draw that is so welcoming. Good morning Mam, nice day for a hike! It was a blessed day to be on trail. I moved along and my snail pace, warming my body up for what would be a fairly easy day. I saw a few hikers at the shelters and continued on.

Trail Magic

Mid-morning a young man named Colton caught up with me and we hiked a bit. He had never thru hiked before. He was carrying his pack that had what appeared to be a cargo net attached to the back. Inside was not one, not two, not three but four packages of Quaker’s Rice Cakes. He had an assortment of flavors and it made me smile as my Mother loved these. As we climbed up a knob, that’s what they call hills around here, there was a guy sitting on a fallen tree. He stopped Colton, and asked him if he had hiking poles? Evidently he didn’t believe he really needed them and shook his head no. “Speed Bump” is a Trail Angle and Widdler. He makes these beautiful handcrafted walking sticks out of the local trees. He presented Colton with one that was engraved, “Take me to Maine- AT Class of 2022”. What a treasured piece of equipment and hence, trail magic has started less than five miles into my hike. Colton was so appreciative and promised to send “Speed Bump” a picture from Mt. Katahdin.

Praises & Love

Mid-day I stopped for lunch with a few others, and had light conversations. That is until I met Emily. She too is a local and is planning to hike to Maine. She was enamored with my scarf and asked what was on it? My friends and family signed a bandana for me with scripture, words of wisdom and love. I had a similar scarf-bandana when I hiked the PCT a few years ago. It was my most treasured piece of gear. There were times on the trail I would just stop and read these blessings. During my toughest days, these praises and love would help me get through those moments. Emily loved the scarf and it opened up a dialog about my faith and belief. And to think this is only day one!

Ending to a Perfect Day

Today was a picture perfect day. The sun shined all day, I had a skip in my step and I thought, Lord you sure know how to bless me! I made it to camp, found a relatively flat bench to pitch my tent, and enjoyed the sound of the river flowing below. Good Friday was a spectacular day filled with hope and promise for the days to come. What an amazing God I serve.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭28:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The journey has began. I kissed my hubby George goodbye this morning as he dropped me off at the airport. I attempted to explain to my dog that she wasn’t able to go this time. Her big brown eyes melted my heart as she nodded, and in her sweet way, told me she would take care of George. Animals are a secret doorway to your soul. They truly have a way of making you feel like the most wonderful human being on this planet or an absolute heel. I felt like a bit of both as I turned and headed for the friendly skies of United Airlines.

In my household, I am definitely the crazy one. I have this adventurous spirit that is most difficult to squelch. Some call it insane, others wanderlust but I believe it’s innate. Like something I was born with. My dog Zoey has it. She is a McNab, a type of Border Collie. We never taught her to herd, or go after anything that moves, but yet it is what makes her Zoey! Sometimes I believe that moving, trekking, wandering is part of my genes, something innate in me. I have an unstoppable thirst to hike!

Support Crew

Each of us who desire to do long distant hiking have a support crew. Or at least, I would hope so. George is my support. He told me that God explained that he was designed to love and support me in ways that only he can. On these adventures, he takes care of the fort, keeps our teenage grandson Sid in check and mails my every need to me. I have packed over 20 boxes and he has them labeled, organized and marked them for delivery. George is my personal Amazon Delivery Man.

Now What?

I made it halfway to the trail. We’ll actually much further than that. I am sequestered in Tennessee with my dear friends. They are my Trail Angels who will take me to Amicoloa Falls State Park near Springer Mountain, Georgia this week. I will spend the week acclimating to East Coast weather; humidity, wind, rain and snow. In the short time I am here, I’ll experience about all that Mother Nature can dish out. The big difference is I’ll be tucked inside a nice warm home, with indoor plumbing, hot showers and a fully equipped kitchen. This will be my last taste of civilization before I hit the trail.

Perfect Timing

The last few days have been filled with boxes to check off, friends to take care of, family to love and meetings to oversee. Yet, my Lord has made it all possible. He has brought me help from the most unexpected places. The blessings I have received from friends is astonishing and a bit overwhelming at times. This paved the way for the perfect timing.

Many people only dream of following their passions. They talk of doing this or that but when the rubber meets the road, nothing actually happens. What is the perfect timing? Is there really such a thing? I believe in God’s perfect timing. If we pursue him and his hearts desires, then the perfect timing will present itself.

And so my journey begins. On Friday I will be hitting the trail, not running, but ever so thankful! Thankful for my friends and family that have helped me find the perfect timing and giving me the courage to pursue my walk with the Lord.

Less than two weeks, I’ll be placing my first step on the Appalachian Trail. What thoughts are going through my head? Will I have enough or will I have too much? Will I be the one that is sending all my worldly possessions home or will I be wishing I brought just one more roll of TP? Highly doubt I’ll be counting sheets of toilet paper, but maybe using my AT Guide for more than just reading and navigating!

What’s in my Pack?

• Gossamer G4-20 Backpack
• Gossamer “The One” Tent
• Enlightened Equipment Quilt
• Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
• Down Pillow & Fleece Pillowcase
• Jetboil Stash
• Six Moons Umbrella
• 1/2 Zlite Pad
• Anker Battery Pack with Cords
• Mountain Hardwear Headlamp
• Mosquito Net
• Misc Clothes include Patagonia Windshell, Rain Jacket, Rain Skirt
• OR Down Jacket & Down Pants
• Merino wool Top & Bottoms
• Two Pairs Underwear
• Three Pairs Socks
• Silk Scarf (Town Days & Towel)
• OR Gortex Mitten & Fleece Gloves
• Buff & Cap
• Xero Camp Shoes
• First Aid Kit
• Toiletries Bag
• Small Nylon Sea-To-Summit Pack that combines as Food Bag
• AquaMira
• Smart Tube & Water Bottle
• Wallet
• Total Base Weight 14.8 (Food and Water not included)

Provisions on the Trail

This I’ve given much thought to. I am a planner and have a full-on spreadsheet with dates, miles, locations, resupplies and whether I’ll find fuel, showers or laundry at the destination. Yep, that’s me! I was never an accountant but I am a neurotic organizer of all things. Down to my underwear drawer, rolled up, sized, type and meticulously placed next to lavender sachets.

I received my final box of freeze dried meals today. My boxes are stuffed with provisions from food, electrolytes, coffee and tea assortments, facial wipes, small packages of Kleenex just in case the bidet doesn’t clean me 100% and assorted bags of hard candy. Along with other items that are truly not needed but nice to have like town shampoo and conditioner, laundry pods and dryer sheets, eye gel, lotions, face masks, and an extra special bar of dark chocolate stashed away in each box.

General Delivery

Most my resupplies are being shipped Priority Mail to the local Post Office. Some of you are shaking your head and I see you. Post Offices have odd hours. Yes they do but so do I. What if my package doesn’t arrive, then what? I shipped close to 25 boxes on the PCT and never had a single one go AWOL! Not one. Priority boxes are one cost depending on the size; small, medium or large. It doesn’t matter how much I stuff them, cram as much as I possibly can before they burst at the seams. The boxes costs the same whether they are being shipped to Georgia or Maine.

Training. Oh boy, what am I doing? Yoga for the most part. I was hiking around my home, walking up and down hills, but honestly, yoga has offered me more benefit than anything else I’ve tried. As I mature in years, balance is my greatest concern. So I focus on one-legged stands, core, and breathing. And Hot Yoga! I’m not a big fan of humidity and felt that exposing myself to an extremely heated room for an hour is one way to prepare. In my mind, a hot yoga room closely mimics a day on the trail in Virginia when the temperature is nearing the 90s with 100% humidity. Sweat running down my neck, back, ears, forehead, and places I’d rather not disclose. You get the picture.

Am I Ready?

So am I ready? I am as ready as I can be physically, without being on the trail. Until my foot hits the dirt and starts up the countless steps of the approach trail, only then will I be able to answer the call. Until then, I am almost ready!

Our Lord is so good at getting our attention. Sometimes he places roadblocks so we don’t storm through, or push our way into places that we don’t belong. Other times he uses Godly people to remind us that we are straying. And once in awhile, he just stops us dead in our tracks! Then carefully reroutes us.

As I plan for my hike, my Dad and the Lord, needed me to be off-trek. Jesus places us right where we can be used. I was wondering what can I do to get ready from here? Jesus, in his loving way whispers to me, “I’m getting you ready spiritually. You are already, physically prepared for this!”

Spiritually ready? What does that really mean? As I pray, God is preparing my heart for the calling he has called me to. He has already ordained the route. The Lord has positioned hikers, day trippers, trail angels and store clerks along the way. I consider my spiritual readiness, as it relates to my own being, the Holy Spirit within me. I know you Jesus. I owe my life to you. So what is it that I need to prepare for?

Each day he uncovers, unravels my protective covering that encompasses me. He opens my eyes to things unseen. What’s in my heart? Am I truly using the gifts he has given me? These are questions I am asking my spiritual self. Do I know why he designed me? And if I truly do, I am using those gifts for God’s glory? I can only hope and believe that I am!

Today, I am less than three weeks away from stepping away from comfort, and walking into the unknown. The Appalachian Trail is the means, the highway per-say, but it is only that. The lessons ahead, the discipleship that is waiting, will be the focus of this trek. My spirituality will only be magnified as I consider and place my focus on the Lord. This is His journey and I am along to share the love that really is God’s love to give others.