Trillium on the Trail: Day 3

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Day 3 - Blood Mountain

Today I walk. Tomorrow is uncertain.

O.K. I took my camera today. Better day. Helps to not carry a heavy backpack. Walked 10.6 miles including up and over Blood Mountain. Not too bad until the 2.1 miles down. Torture on knees.

Passed many ferns with their feminine fronds growing with the bold leaves of wild leak. Beautiful combination!

Alicia walked up to meet me at top of Blood Mountain. It was wonderful to see her and walk down with her. She leaves tomorrow and I will miss her.

Staying at Mountain Crossings Hostel. Happy to be here.

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1 comment:

AnonymousApril 25, 2012 at 10:59 PM
You go Sis! I am inspired to start... reading about the AT. Hey baby steps. : )

Scott U
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In 1974, I spent a week backpacking a section of the Appalachian Trail leading to Roan Mountain. I thought it was the hardest backpacking I had ever done. The trail seemed to climb steeply and continuously for miles. All curiosity about the A.T. was eliminated on that trip, and I was sure I would never again hike the A.T. So how has it happened that I am once again on the A.T.? The truth is that I don’t know the answer except it has hung in the back of my mind for all these years as unfinished business.

Now that my professional work life at the Louisville Courier-Journal has ended before I expected (Courier-Journal grants buyouts), I find I need a transition to the next stage of my life. I don’t know how far I will walk. I don’t know how well my body will hold up to the rugged demands of the trail. I don’t know how long I will think I’m having a good time. I am open to all possibilities.

The spontaneous outpourings of affection and support have taken me by surprise. It takes the help of wonderful people to attempt something this monumental and I am grateful.

For those who want to know more about the A.T., I recommend a book called Just Passin’ Thru by Winton Porter. It’s about a store on the A.T. and the unforgettable characters crossing its threshold. It’s a good book in its own right and a good introduction to the trail.

For a book about the trail experience of a 60-year-old woman, I recommend In Beauty May She Walk by Leslie Mass. For a book about the trail experience of a young woman, I recommend Becoming Odyssa: Epic Adventures on the Appalachian Trail by Jennifer Pharr Davis. She is also the record holder for the fastest thru-hike (male or female).

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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Day 3 - Blood Mountain

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