Honey mooning

Honey mooning with my hiking poles, the smell of woods, the soreness of hiking with 35 lbs on my back all day, the first time drinking fresh spring water, the first time getting through a thunder storm...all of it. Mostly my hiking poles, which I was skeptical about at first but have saved my life on several occasions. But it's all still so new. The novelty is exciting, fun, challenging and rewarding. Every time I successfully drink my filtered water without getting giardia or hike 10 miles through snow and sleet is a victory. This is the honey moon phase. I've been warned that it won't last forever so enjoy it while you can. Enjoy the little victories and the new simplicity of daily life. 

We've made it 53 miles in 5 days and are finally taking our first overnight off of the trail in Hiawassee, GA and this shitty motel is the most glorious place I can imagine. The hot shower was literal luxury. Our trip to the grocery store was so magnificent it was overwhelming.

This, is part of the why people go on Appalachian trail. To get away, to disconnect, to think but also to relearn to take pleasure in simple things. Having something warm to eat and a tent to crawl into with a book at the end of each day is something I look forward to when the hiking gets tough and tiring. Finding a stream where we can wash and get water is a small victory. 

Right now, we are still getting used to this new daily life. We made it past Neels Gap where 20-30% of people who are going to drop out, leave. That was a huge victory. We made it past 50 miles, that was a huge victory. Even though I know this honey moon phase won't last forever, I think breaking the trail into small goals is what keeps people going. In a way it's a microcosm for everything in life. Think too far ahead and you risk becoming overwhelmed with the task before you and forget to enjoy what's in front of you. The goal is to get to Maine but, more importantly, the goal is to enjoy  the journey. We're only a week in and have a long way to go but I want to continue to revel in those small victories, take pleasure in what I used to take for granted and enjoy the challenge of the journey I'm on.