North or South?

Just a couple of random photos. Top one from Massachusetts, bottom from Virginia.

After I hike in VA, I’m sure I want to go back and hike there next. After I hike in MA, I’m sure I want to go back there next. 4 hours north. 7 hours south. 20 degrees difference in daytime temperature. 15 in night. Bugs gone mostly in both directions. Ticks all year, by the way. I never assume there will be no ticks.

So, what do I do?

I think I will finish VA. I think I can be in Damascus at the border, by the end November.

I have friends in both directions! Laura and Heather up north. Sharkey and Megaphone down south. I have never really wanted to connect with anyone that I have met in the trail before. Jennie and I met Sharkey and Megaphone on our second hike together. They are such nice people. I met Laura and Heather on my last MA hike. Both are really nice people as well. I hope I get to hike a bit with all 4 sometime in the future. I will let them know when I’m coming.

I am also secretly hoping Jennie will join me again. Not to mention…John, Scott, Gates, Frank, and Mike. Assorted other hikers I know from PA.

It’s hard for any of my PA friends to commit to such a long drive, at least 5 days on the trail, and a long drive home. It’s pretty grueling.

I don’t like to be away from Landi for more than a week.

I am a little afraid to go, EVERY time I go. Maybe its excitement as well. A combination of the two I guess.

I have a Garmin satellite device now. An “In Reach Mini.” No matter what, I can check in and get help if I need it. Important, because I spend so much time solo hiking.

Healthy fear is a good thing.

I feel that same fear/excitement when I surf in South Africa. Away from the water, I think about sharks. At the beach, the fear leaves me. Away from the Trail, I think about injury, ticks, and bears. On the trail I’m pretty fearless. Smart fearless. Fatigue is my only real danger.

I get stupid when I get tired.

10 miles. 10 a day is enough for a 68 year old Section Hiker.

South. I’m going South. It’s more down hill, right?

Guess I will contact all my friends and let them know where I will be. Maybe I won’t be hiking alone?

😊 All In