There’s something super cool about cowboy camping. Especially in a place where the Civil War took place. I could’ve been sleeping where General Lee slept. He fought all over this territory in the 1700’s. Anyhow, I woke up to the song birds promptly at 5:30am. They are relentless and never stop ushering in a new day. I had my coffee, not cowboy coffee but real instant Death by Coffee and MCT Powder that I acquired from my good friends Mark & Meredith. Yummy goodness to start my day out right.

I was low on water so I needed to gather some. About 4 miles down the trail was a sweet campground that has flushing toilets, running water and showers! Yep, I could’ve had a shower. I filled up my bottles and a gal with her twins 7 year olds shows up. She’s planning to hike the entire trail with these rumbustious kids. The girl’s trail name is Butterfly and her brother’s name is Stink Bug. Mom took the name Herding Cats, which Stink Bug told me, matter of factly, we never listen to Mom, just like cats. I find that hard believe as there are many times that they need to pay close attention to be able to make it this far. They seem to be having a grand time. Herding Cats and I talked for a bit about life on the trail and raising kids. She feels this is the best education she can give them, and I have to agree.

We all took a side trail to George Washington’s Monument. It is a stone building that looks like a beehive. Inside is a spiral staircase which takes you to the top of an observation deck. The view is one of the best that I’ve seen in Maryland. It’s quite expansive and you can see for miles and miles. Lucky for us, we made it up and out before the bus load of kids showed up. Took some pictures and we were back on the trail.

There’s more hikers on the trail today. I met these three kids who are undertaking the 4 State Challenge. The idea is to cover four states in 24 hours! They started last night at Midnight in Virginia, stepped into W. Virginia for a quick mile or so, crossed over the Potomac River into Maryland and will end in Pennsylvania. It’s about 40 miles and a handful of motivated hikers do it every year. They had someone meet them around mile 25 to resupply with food and water. When I saw them, they had finished a marathon of walking and were well on their way to finishing before midnight. Oh, the joys of youth! I was happy to get in 17.5 miles today and I don’t see any 40 milers in my future!

When I stopped for lunch, I met Cat Woman, as I called her. She was walking down the trail with a backpack condo for a cat. I had to ask her what she was carrying? Evidently her cat Motto wasn’t too keen on being carried around in a Cat Condo and flew the coupe. She stopped to let it out, and imagine this, the cat bolted! Hmm, I could’ve predicted that ending. She looked for Motto for an hour or two and plans to come back later this afternoon to hopefully, retrieve her cat. Good luck with that.

Today was the typical Appalachian Trail that I remember. There were much more ups and downs with tons of rocks. I could even say boulders. I did stop quite a bit to take in the vista. Many rock outcroppings that overlooked the flat valleys and pasturelands of Maryland. I saw tons of day hikers that were enjoying the weather. It really has been nice without the rain and humidity that I remember from last go around. I need not get too excited though, as it will come. But for now, I’m enjoying the mild temperatures.

Besides my feet being a bit tired, I’m feeling great. Honestly, Maryland is probably the flattest and most mildest trekking state of the 14 that are part of the AT. I know what’s ahead of me in Pennsylvania, which has the dubious name of Rocksylvania. Hopefully my ankles will be ready and able to tackle the myth and the legend of that state. But for now, I’m gonna soak in the sweet terrain of where I am. So far, so good.

After a wonderful night of sleep, with the train whistling in the background, it is time to get this show on the road. I packed up my worldly possessions and headed up to the ATC to pickup my Permit/Tag. The nice lady working at the Front Desk was having some computer issues, so I patiently waited.

Once all the kinks were sorted out, I was given my Purple Tag- Color for the AT Class of 2023. She ushered me outside to take the required mugshot, just in case they have to hunt me down. Then Lois had me read the back of the tag regarding all the Leave No Trace (LNT) protocols. She warned me of the weather that would cause me strife when I get to Vermont, which is more than 500 miles north. I guess she wants me to think about it all the way there. I signed the back of my now, printed mugshot with all my credentials. Who I am, where I live, what are my intentions. Very formal. After that, she offered me a Mandarin, never turn down fresh fruit and I was on my way!

I talked with Gail from Town’s Inn. She’s a sweet lady who cares for all the hikers that come through this Hostel. She was a fellow hiker herself and she loves spending time catching up and hearing stories of trail talk. She said a little blessing over me and I hit the trail at 11am. A bit late but that was expected as the ATC doesn’t open till late morning.

I found my way to the trail from town, headed across the Potomac River with a bunch of other day-hikers and bicyclists. Once on the dirt pathway, I saw some guys my age walking south towards town. The one gentleman looked me over, and said matter of factly, “Keep it up and you’ll never get old!” Is that the secret to life and longevity? I’m gonna believe him and keep hiking.

Noon crept up quickly and the salad I had last night wasn’t carrying me through. Luckily there was a bakery in town and I grabbed a BLT to go. I chowed down right before the climb started. Good plan if I say so myself. I saw all sorts of critters along the way from a baby bunny, 6 box turtles, big black non-venomous snake and tons of woodpeckers, red cardinals and other birds that I didn’t recognize.

As I climbed my first hill, I was grateful that today was relatively an easy day. The grade was fairly straightforward and nothing too terribly taxing. Well at least not yet. I made it to the Ridgeline and met my first thru-hiker who also was Flip-Flopping. Her trail name is Serotonin because she doesn’t produce normal amounts of it in her real life, but on the trail, she is in her happy place. Perfect name. A few minutes later, another Flip-Flopper showed up that I briefly ran into in town. Her trail name is Won’t Get Up-Will which is a funny story. She never wants to get up in the morning and hiked with her Dad in her youth, and now as an adult, she still doesn’t want to get up. She’s hiked the AT a handful of times, another story for another day, but the first time she made it all the way from Georgia to Mt. Katadrin, they added Will to the end. Being we all started today, we are now sisters of the trail. The first people you meet on Day One are very special indeed.

I didn’t see any other thru-hikers today but lots of day hikers, and locals who walk or run the trail often. The AT is so close to many towns that this is common place. I talked to plenty of people, and shared my blog with them. Each time I tell them I’m blogging and the name of it, it spurs lots of conversation. I think that’s the point!

I didn’t quite make it as far as I hoped for today. But starting just a bit before noon, cut my day in half. But I managed to find a cozy spot on a bluff overlooking Maryland. There’s a bunch of farmlands below and wide open spaces without the huge trees that I am encompassed with. Don’t get me wrong, I love the trees. It’s shady and keeps the sun from beating down on me. The forecast is looking good for the upcoming week or two, so I’m Cowboy Camping. Just me and nature. No tent, and no overcrowded shelter for miles. I’m sure I’ll be blessed with a gazillion stars tonight. Nothing but me, the Lord and a big bush of Poison Oak. Well, you can’t have it all.

What a whirlwind of activity the last few days have been. Getting ready for a trek like this can take some time. Resupply boxes were packed, in fact my hubby has already mailed one out! Before I leave, there is already a box in transit. That’s efficiency.

Last weekend, my dearest friends hosted a send off for “yours truly.” The best of friends, all my hiking partners from days passed celebrated my returning to this way of life. As I looked around at the most beautiful women I know, I could only thank the Lord for such incredible and lifelong friendships. We laughed and toasted to the many treks we have shared, and the ones we have not yet experienced. We contemplated the many rewards and satisfaction we have gleaned from walking in the woods, and the memories and mishaps we recalled on the hikes we’ve completed. It was a hoot reliving the many miles we covered, the unexpected boat ride for a broken leg, the bears we scared away, the trail names we have earned and the countless passes we have climbed. There is something special when you share this story of worn out trail runners, our love for long distant backpacking, with such hearty souls. And to think, we have many more miles and smiles still to come.

Now that I have said farewell to the ones I care so deeply for, I can’t help to embrace the ones I have yet to meet. Who will the Lord lead me to? What will he have me share with them? And will I even know what to say? Thank goodness I need not fret because my sweet Jesus already has it planned for me.

As I arrive at the airport, my heart skips a beat. This is it, what I have set to accomplish months ago. The goal is to connect the dots from Catawba, Virginia near McAfee Knob to Mt. Katahdin in Maine. God-willing and my able part, I shall be placing my feet on the trail by noon tomorrow-Wednesday. There will be a gauntlet of obstacles to bypass like two plane rides to Washington D.C., subway to Union Station, Amtrak to Harpers Ferry and a good nights rest after being up for forty hours! I should’ve planned it better than this, but cheap flights are just that. Red-eye and packed planes are part of the adventure! Watching old movies, eating pretzels and drinking soda water, and hoping that your window seat has a little extra legroom.

Arriving in Boston after two hours, sorta, of sleep, I’m thinking 🤔 how come I’ve never been to this city? It is gorgeous. It is situated on the Atlantic Ocean with water on all sides. From up above, I’d think the city is floating on some offshore island. There was a huge cross, which lit up on a hill, protecting the airport and surrounding burbs from uncertain enemies and ferocious storms. I’m typically not an alarmist but these lowland parcels adorned with elegant homes appear to be hovering on a spit of sand. Call me crazy but California Wildfires have nothing on the Cape and it’s relentless pounding it must receive from the Northeasterns! Luckily for me I’m just passing through, but I definitely would love to come back and visit this gem of a place.

I wonder what Biden is up to today? I wasn’t invited to the White House this time around. Hard to believe but I do plan to make my way to Library of Congress. I love a good book to read while I’m waiting for my mid-afternoon train. So after going underground on the Metro, I surfaced at Union Square. This is the place where trains and buses converge. In US, we have one train and that’s Amtrak. I checked my backpack in for safe keeping at a going rate of $10 per bag. Now I am free to mill around D.C. First things first, find food. I asked the local Metro Police where to find a good diner. He pointed to an outdoor Deli that proved to be worthy of hearty eats. Now that I am full and satisfied, if I head to the Library I will definitely fall asleep. So I’m going to walk, and see what peaks my interest.

As I’m walking the plaza, I tuned into my daily words of wisdom from Bayside Church. Pastor Kevin shared with me today that God created me, gave me my own thoughts and desires, emotions and purpose. The interesting part of all this is, no matter what happens, I am only in control of myself. I cannot dictate what my friends or family choose to do or how they live. That is entirely up to them, but what I can do is influence them in a positive manner, filling them with hope and love. This has been a tough lesson for me as I tend to find responsibility in how others turn out. Did I lead them astray, did I not come down hard enough or did they just choose different paths? When you have children or grandchildren for that matter who make life-altering decisions, how do you respond? In love or denial? With hope or frustration? Or a bit of all the above? As I was praying about this, I have to confess, it is hard to make tough choices! It is difficult to accept that someone you love so dearly can make a choice that drastically alters their course. Yet God tells us that if you raise a child in love, and you teach him the ways of the Lord, they will return. So part of my journey this year is allowing myself some grace, and trusting God that he will be the compass, not me. That our Jehovah will always give us a second chance or a hundredth opportunity to find our way back. And that I can only control myself, influence others and expect God to be God!

One of the most iconic and revered buildings in the world, the US Capitol is home of our governing officials. The history of the United States Capitol Building begins in 1793. Since then, the U.S. Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended and restored. The Capitol that we see today is the result of several major periods of construction; it stands as a monument to the ingenuity, determination and skill of the American people.

Daily, our Congress meets, convenes, argues and disagrees in this building. I wonder if it was like that in the 1800’s? Probably so but maybe not as public. Without the instant media and social networks, it could take weeks, if not months to share the news of discontentment! And maybe, just maybe they could all work it out before it hit the press. D.C. is hustling and bustling place with lots of Business Suits, High Heels and News Reporters! I think I’ll keep heading east to the trail. Not my cup of tea.

Heading back to Union Station, I took a rest on the lawn. I was a bit concerned as I didn’t see anyone else laying on the grass. Hopefully I won’t be picked up for vagrancy. I’m not pitching my tent but I definitely am a bit out of place. There are no camps setup, nothing on the manicured lawns or the sidewalks. Not a single encampment in front of the rail station, only a few Town Criers but they are moving along. Maybe it’s too cold in D.C. or possibly Biden won’t tolerate any homelessness in his city!Whatever it is, they keep a tidy community here. No trash, no filth, everything is in its place. San Francisco should get some useful tips from our Nation’s Capitol.

My final leg before I arrive in Harpers Ferry. Amtrak, here I come. I took Amtrak when I returned from the Colorado Trail a couple of years back. I really like traveling on a train as they explore the best scenery our States can offer. I’m sure this route will be much of the same. Harpers Ferry is rich in historic value. It is the easternmost town of West Virginia, established in 1751 with a Population of 285. During the Civil War, it was the northern most point held by the Confederate-controlled Territory. Situated on the Shenandoah and Potomac River Confluence, Harpers Ferry is where Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia meet. And it is the Appalachian Trail Headquarters 😊 where I pick up my coveted Trail tag.

Good thing I bought my ticket last week. This train is sold out! Who would’ve thunk? It’ll be a relatively short ride, one hour. The gal sitting next to me is headed for Chicago. She has a long ways to go. With a little bit of luck, I’ll be supine before long. No evangelism today. The Holy Spirit is sleepy. Just shortly after 5pm, the train came to a slow speed stop and I exited. The Town’s Inn is up a flight of many stairs on the street overlooking the River and train tracks. Such a quaint little town.

I checked in to my room for the night. It has two single beds and I have both beds to myself. Oh, glorious beds! One was firm and one is soft, so I am sleeping on my nice firm bed, overlooking the Potomac River. It’s absolutely perfect. I walked the town a bit and gathered my bearings. I’ll get up and have breakfast in the morning, head up to the ATC, check-in, then hit the trail running. Until Wednesday, I’m heading to bed. This girl is wiped out and needs some shuteye. Oh, my little suite has a Bible and small devotional books. Jesus has me right where I need to be.

One week and counting. Oh my, the hardest part has started. What’s that, you ask? Packing my Resupply Boxes. I’m asking myself why I don’t just buy food along the way? There are certain foods I desire, and then there’s the need for adequate nourishment, which I find difficult to achieve in the convenient stores. I like certain coffees and teas, I love my biscotti in the morning and I must eat a desirable dinner at night. I enjoy cooking, even on the trail, adding vegetables and creamy broths to a bland couscous or rice. Sounds crazy, but these are my creature habits. Oh and I really enjoy a face mask! Such a girly thing but it makes me feel, almost, human-like!

Now my Den is AT Central with three months worth of food, snacks, wipes and all things this hiker may need. My dog Zoey is having a tough time with all the odd smells, and the fact that she knows, Mom is off to the trail again. My hubby George is counting down when I’m leaving and when I’m coming home. The family is always the most emotional aspect of my hearts desire. Am I really doing this again? Prayfully I must ask the Lord to grant me this gift of walking, hiking the trail from Harper’s Ferry to Mt. Katahdin, and then south to McAfee Knob. It’s a distance of 1,500 or so miles so I’m thinking Mothers Day to Labor Day. Sounds reasonable.

The fun part is loading my backpack. I do look forward to this part. I’ve done it hundreds of times and am fairly proficient at it. First things first, is weighing each item that I carefully select for the trail. I would like to say that I’m a minimalist but the truth is, I like certain things. A pillow is a must. Some people use their puffy jacket as one but I require a real pillow. Mine is made of down, lightweight and does not need to be inflated. That’s my favorite piece of equipment next to my Quilt. Other than that, my inflatable pad, an umbrella and my collapsible titanium poles are my top five pieces of gear. I have “The One” tent and the G20-UL 42 Pack, both Gossamer products. They are high quality and the price is quite reasonable. All in all, my base weight is nearing 17 pounds, which is about as light as I can get. As long as I like to cook, I’ll always have a stove. Cold soaking is not for me. I want coffee or tea in the morning and a hot dinner at night. Being God wants me to hike for Him, he understands that I can’t live on bread alone.

In seven days, I’ll be on a Jet Plane flying across United States to D.C. It is exciting and terrifying, all in the same thought. I am so looking forward to walking into a simpler life, one that has little to do but wake, eat, walk, eat, and sleep. It is such a beautiful rhythm of feet hitting the dirt, soil, rocks and roots, just walking from one place to the next. It’s much like the Israelis who left Egypt for the Promise Land. To a point, the Appalachian Trail is my heading towards a life flowing with milk and honey. A life simpler, easier and void of responsibilities. To worry about nothing but how far I will walk. The rest is ordained by the Lord. He already knows who I will meet and greet along the way, days if not years, before I. My only concern is to stay healthy and able-bodied, to keep moving forward, and to be guided by the Holy Spirit. So what’s next? A lot of good-bye’s, and farewells till I return, a couple of dinner party’s sending me on my way and a sad puppy when I walk out the door. My hubby George has lined up many projects that will keep him busy for the summer, and knowing George, he’ll have many dinner engagements and golf outings planned weekly. But even with all that, I will so miss my home sweet home.

So as the countdown continues, please pray for my family. This is just as hard for them as it is for me. My sweet Lord, please protect me as I travel across country, please keep my family safe and Lord, watch over the people I will meet along the way. May you guide my walk, and may my steps be ordained by you, and you alone. Until we hit the trail, please keep my focus on you, every moment of everyday. And be my shining light along this well worn path. You have began this work in me, and I have complete trust that you will continue, until our job is done. With that, I commit this journey to your hands my sweet Jesus, and I will go wherever you need me to be. Amen…

In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6

As I sit in my living room, my mind is overwhelmed with the thought of this week. Jesus knew what was to happen. Even when Peter denied the thought of Jesus leaving, literally put to death, the Lord rebuked his disciple, “ Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Mark 8:33. We need to open our heart to things that are uncomfortable. The crucifixion makes me wonder, how much sin we truly have!

I know for myself, I am full of sin. Everyday that passes, I count my blessings that Jesus has forgiven me. What a mess I make of my life, the countless times I say and do ungodly things, yet He still seeks after my own heart. Who is this God that loves us so deeply, who longs for us when we are broken and undesirable? Our one and only Jesus, that’s who.

Last night I was sitting in church for Palm Sunday Service, the Pastor asked a question that knocked me off my seat. Who are you sharing your Jesus with? Are you keeping him to yourself or are you actually telling everyone you know and meet about the Lord? Honestly, I had to really think about that. It was quite convicting and when else, if not today, is there a better time to share His unending love.

Our Lord, my Jesus is my number one priority and deepest relationship, my partner for life. He is the one I go to when I open my eyes in the morning and when I close my eyes at night. He is the only person who really knows me, my every thought, desire and passion. Jesus is my light, my purpose, my true compass. When the world does what the world does, I can always look up and know that Jehovah has a plan. Because I surely do not understand this place we are temporarily residing in, and the broken people we share it with.

During this Holy Week, I want to be purposeful, knowing what transpired thousands of years ago. Our Savior rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, not a War Horse or Stallion, but a Colt. Being the Son of God was not about condemning or convicting, but about accepting and loving each and everyone of us. He came to earth to show us how to live, to take care of each other, to lead one another through times of heartache, grief and tribulation. We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever we go, to lead by His example, in all we say and do.

This week I sit with the reality that our precious and wonderful Jesus knew what was to happen. “And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” Mark 8:31

I am so grateful that I do not know when my life on this earth will end, as I do not believe that I could speak so freely about my death. Yet, I am not the great I am, and trusting that the Lord has made my life purposeful and meaningful, I am good with a surprise ending.

My prayer for this week is that we find time to ponder why we are here. What purpose does the Lord have for us to fulfill. Does He want you to share the story of His life with someone or does He desire you to share your life with Him?

I can tell you that I love to share my life with Jesus, knowing that I surely do not want to do it alone. And when I share my life with the Lord, the world sees my joy and happiness that only our Heavenly Father can give. May you also walk through this week knowing that He was willing to sacrifice all he had, for you! Holy Week is a time of intention and reflection, a time of grace and forgiveness. May you embrace all that was given for your life, through Him. Easter is coming but let’s reflect on who and what Jesus did beforehand. Our one and only true love.

Many of you have already heard the news but for the ones who are not in the loop, I’m heading back! Last year, I packed my bags, well my one backpack, and ventured out to the unknown, the Appalachian Trail. One of the oldest long-distant trails in the world. After some 700 miles, I was called back home to take care of my beautiful and loving Father, Dad.

All of us have obligations, along with family and friends, that are near and dear to our hearts. My Dad is one of those giants in my life. He is the Last Mohican, the only living elder. I had the opportunity to leave my hike last year and help him return to a healthy, worthwhile and long-lasting life. After numerous surgeries and rehab, Dad was walking to the park, heading back to church and playing a round of golf. This could not have been done without the love and support of my sister Kari. She truly was the glue that held everything together. Our God is so good!

I shared with my family, including Dad, that I wanted to return to the trail this year. There is something that calls me back. This love of nature and my intense desire to walk long-distances, are passions that my sweet Jesus placed on my heart. I cannot deny it or squelch it. And most importantly, I love sharing my faith with the hikers I meet along the way.

Many have asked if I plan to start all over? To be considered a thru-hike you are required to hike the entire trail in one calendar year. Being I have already hiked from Georgia to Virginia, 700 plus miles, I decided to begin my hike this year at Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia.

Harper’s Ferry is a logical choice to start. It happens to be the home of the ATC, otherwise known as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. And logistically, it is an easy place to land. I’ll fly into Washington D.C., board a train and within an hour, I’ll arrive in downtown Harper’s Ferry. Being I’m at the symbolic halfway point, I’ll continue 1,100 miles northbound to Maine. When I reach Mt. Katahdin, I’ll flip-flop back to Harper’s Ferry and head a little over 300 miles south to McAfee Knob. This will connect my footpath and all 2,194 miles will be covered. Sounds like a perfect plan, and God-willing, I’ll start this journey in mid-May.

So what’s next? I’m prepping by walking and hiking daily, or close to it. Being I live in NorCal, it’s been hit and miss with torrential rainfall this year. I’m always amazed by the quality of gear, and clothing is no exception. I am testing all of it, in the best and worse conditions. Rain, sleet and snow, it’s been worn, tested and reviewed. If only I could figure out a clothing option for humidity 🤔

The weather back east has been typical. Rainy and wet, but nothing like we’ve had on the west coast. Some hikers are already on the trail, braving through some cold temperatures and light snow flurries. By the time I arrive, it’ll be spring with warmer days and humidity on the horizon. I hope that I can slowly embrace the heat as it will be one of my biggest obstacles. There’s not much you can do but grin and bare it, while trying to do more miles in the early morning, and drinking lots of water with electrolytes.

My next step is determining my resupply points and my daily mileage. I developed a Spreadsheet last year, which was promptly disregarded, as I couldn’t keep up with my daily mile projections. My lofty goal this go around is 100 miles per week, as I did on the Pacific Crest Trail, which may or may not happen. One step at a time, one day at a time, is honesty, all I can mustard up. God has a perfect plan laid out ahead of me and I am open to follow his lead.

Today is seven weeks till I return to the Appalachian Trail. I am excited and thrilled to be part of something that is much bigger than me. Each time I plan and prep for these two legged adventures, I need to access my reasons and timing. The Lord is my source of inspiration and guidance. He will direct me, He will assure me, and he will pave my way. As we listen to his voice, and follow his ways, we will find peace in our heart and soul. I have a tremendous joy as I follow his path, one step at a time.