Well…it took two attempts but I got to the summit! My first mountain on the AT over 4000 feet.
A few days ago, my friend John P. and I hiked up to the first view.
That’s me in my lucky Delaware shirt, and John in a full relax position. Truth is, he got there about 30 minutes before I did! I was shot.
2/3 of the way, I got a call from South Africa. My wife had been involved in a car accident. Fortunately, she wasn’t hurt severely, but she was pretty shaken. I’m glad we could talk but it took all the momentum I had, away.
On the way up a climb, a hikers mood is 80%of the battle. The fatigue in the legs goes straight to the “why am I doing this” section of the brain.
We got a late start; couldn’t find the correct parking area.
John was fine. I like to start at dawn and be finished my hiking just after lunch.
This is where we ended up:
It is a pretty tough climb. Over 4 miles up.
We decided to turn back, went down the mountain, and drove home to PA.
We drove home to Pennsylvania with a two thirds completed hike. It is IMPOSSIBLE for me not to finish a physical challenge. Others kinds, you know, like the bills, cleaning the bathroom, washing the car, I can leave unfinished for a while. This climb was working on my mind.
I rested one day and got into my car to drive the 6 hours back to the mountain. Expensive hike.
I stayed overnight in a cheap motel and started my hike at 8am. It was a better day. Cooler. Not good for a view, but I don’t really hike for the views. I like them, but the challenge and accomplishment is what motivates me.
This is where John and I stopped. I still had another third of the climb left, about 1.4 miles to the summit.
It was tougher and steeper than the first section. I didn’t check my Guthook App to check on my progress. I’ve learned to just hike. One foot in front of the other. I didn’t want to know how far I had left. 😊
So up I went. And up. And up. And when I reached the top, there was nothing there but a fire pit!
I checked the App. There was a view about .2 ahead. I went on.
I’m so glad I did!!!
I got my tripod out and had a bit of fun. Put the shutter on a 30 second delay and CAREFULLY positioned myself.
So many people have terrible accidents taking selfies. This was a little different, but I was cognizant of the risk and took my time.
This spot is called “Ledges.”
Well, I was up and I felt good. Except that I had to go the 4+ miles downhill to my car! Downhill can be really tough on the knees and dangerous. Catching a toe can be a disaster. I’ve had a few of those. Just to Remind myself…
Been there. Done that.
Down I went carefully. It was 3 hours up and took 2 hours to get down. I was tired. A pretty tough 8+ miles. My first real hike in months.
I shot a bunch of the Virginia Spring showing itself. I had that lovely feeling of well being, all the rest of that day, and today as well.
Can’t wait to get back out there.
693 miles completed.
All In
Great job Doug. Your trail stories are a welcome thought to my days. Hope to see you soon.
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Thank you my friend! I’m leaving again for VA on Sunday. When I get back let’s have breakfast!
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It’s great to see you are hiking the AT again. You are really doing it! I wish to day hike the NJ section with my dog this year, if I can get my husband to provide rides.
If I remember right, you some time ago mentioned your friend Karma was going to through hike again. Is she on the trail and blogging? If she is I would love to get a link to her blog. I read her previous blogs on AT and PCT. Also a woman in my fifties she is my trail idol. Made me realize it’s OK to go solo.
I don’t usually comment but I always read your postings and find your blog interesting. Started with hikes in PA and NJ and then get to vicariously visit South Africa👍😊
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Thank you for your support! Karma is out there! She started on the 19th of March! Karma2019.wordpress.com
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KarmaAT2019.wordpress.com. Sorry. This is the correct address!!!
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Thank you!
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Yikes… is that the first time that you posted that pic of your beat-up face?
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I don’t think so…. cute hey. 😊😊😊
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The accomplishment and all that time breathing in nature does it for me. Congrats!!!
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