The Way it Goes
Boiling Springs, PA - Mile 1121 - Jun 21st, 2015
Where to begin? A lot has happened in my first week back on the Trail. The re-entry has been hard physically. I had hoped to return feeling refreshed and ready for the next 1000 miles. Instead I've been tired and sluggish, often not feeling smooth in my hiking for many hours and a few doses of ibuprofen. New on the scene is muscle pain - lateral upper calf. This came out of the blue and I have been trying to figure out a possible cause - new shoes, over use, or leaping from a moving train.
You are probably thinking to yourself - she jumped from a moving train! Yes, but only because I couldn't figure out how to exit the usual way. I was traveling back to Harper's Ferry from Washington Reagan Airport and as we approached the station, I made my way to the exit door. I couldn't find one that opened or anyone from the train to help me. The voice on the loudspeaker proclaimed "last exit for Harper's Ferry", and I was still stuck inside. I finally found a way out, but by then the train was slowing pulling away from the station. I yanked the door open, set my sights on a small section of platform - and leaped. Fortunately I was not seriously injured, though just dazed and a bit bloodied on my left elbow, hand, and knee. I learned later, the train was simply moving forward so passengers in the rear cars could exit onto the small platform. Clearly not my finest moment.
I have now officially hiked more than 1/2 the Trail. I reached the midpoint - 1090.5 miles - a few days ago. I'm about 1/3 through Pennsylvania and resting comfortably at a friend's home in Boiling Springs. The weather has been very hot and humid. I am usually soaked, either with perspiration or rain. But I've had access to showers, a swimming pool, and a lake, so for a few minutes my body feels cool and clean.
The emotional journey of hiking has had as many ups and downs as the Trail itself. Sometimes I am overcome with deep feelings of sadness and at other times my spirits soar. Yesterday is a good example of the dichotomy.
I awakened to a downpour and the forecast of drenching rain from a tropical storm coming up the coast. My options as always - hike on/stay put. I was 20 miles from Carol's house in Boiling Springs and very much wanted to be there by night fall. But the leg was painful and I doubted I could walk 20 rocky, Pennsylvania miles. I felt tired, sad, and defeated. As I waited for the worst of the weather to clear, I called Carol and once I knew she could pick me up at a road crossing if needed, I strapped on my pack and headed out. A few minutes later a great, blue heron glided overhead, my sign that all would be well. I limped on and covered almost 8 miles by 11 a.m. Trail Magic greeted me an hour later at a road crossing and I had a delicious lunch - yet another sign. By then, I was feeling better and knew I could do the 20 miles under my own steam. I arrived at 5:30, the skies opened at 5:45. But by then I was happily drinking a beer in Carol's air conditioned home, dinner was being prepared, and I couldn't stop grinning. It had been a very fine day. Today I am taking a zero, icing and resting the leg, hoping to hike on tomorrow.
The highs and lows of the Trail are no different than in regular life. But my singular focus on the hike, funnels all experiences and emotions through a narrow lens, making them seem more intense and profound.
Now - a beer awaits and music in the park across from Carol's house. Be well my friends.
Seeker
Boiling Springs, PA - Mile 1121 - Jun 21st, 2015