Happy. That is the one word that perfectly describes my
Spring Break at Smoky Mountain National Park. This past week solidified my resolve
that living on the trail is what I should be doing with my life. It is
difficult to put into words how effortless and ideal this lifestyle feels for
me. Roxy and I just fit into the landscape like we have always been part of it.
While driving back to Indiana after the trip, one country
song was incessantly played by every radio station and a particular lyric struck me as the perfect
summary of trail life: “I've got everything I need and nothing that I don't.”
While on the trail I get to focus on living. I have no cell
phone reception and am completely cut off from all the aspects of my former
life. Despite having to carry everything I need to survive and walking about 15
miles per day up and down mountains, nothing about this lifestyle feels challenging.
In the weeks leading up to my departure for the Appalachian
Trail, I will post more detailed reviews of the gear, food, and other aspects
of our shakedown trip to the Smoky Mountains. For today, all I can focus on is
the extreme joy I feel knowing that I am finally going to be living the life I
was always meant to be living.
 | |
| Ending the day at a perfect campsite. Nothing compares to feeling right at home. |
 |
| Beautiful, lush forests were a welcome respite from the usually dry and sunny trail. |
 |
| Barefoot hiking offers an intimate connection to the forest, and a chance to know just how Roxy feels :) |
 |
| This is what life is all about. |
Glad to hear you had a good time! I had a day in the middle of my big shakedown when I didn't have cell service, and it was absolutely delightful. It took me a couple days to get into a groove, but I also hit the "Yes, I belong here" feeling. I really can't wait :)
ReplyDeleteRoxy is gonna love it!