Chiaisms: 1,100 in one hundred

This blog is dedicated to the completion of hiking half of the Appalachian Trail…1,100 miles on my 100th day hiking trail. Here are one hundred things I would like to share.

I have hiked through six different states.Virginia had the most miles within one state on the entire AT.Virginia is NOT flat…contrary to what others may believe.I connect with my trail name just as much as my given name.I am a naturalist.The AT travels through many different kinds of terrain.Muddy trail is my favorite sensual experience within 1100 miles so far.Living homeless is comparable to long distance hiking.Hiking through thunder and lightning brings me such a positive rush.There are TONS of people on trail.Erosion is a real thing.Nats are obnoxious.My feet are sore every day.Only in the past couple days have I thought of getting off trail.A strength of mine is adaption.A weakness is little patience for the human race.I will carry extra weight having the chance to eat healthy and delicious food.Sleeping in a hammock is my favorite thing.Virginia was my favorite state

This was my first 4th of July in years not celebrated with the Schultz’s. I miss the beach, specifically plum island.Staying in the moment is a daily challenge.Town days leave me feeling anxious and rushed. I am greatly bothered when people listen to music out loud on trail…earbuds can be a beautiful thing.Sometimes there isn’t enough time to dig a 6 inch cathole.I like the feeling of wind blowing through my leg hair.Long distance hikers are wonderfully creative culinary masters.Hikers are very generous people.Crocs save my feet on a daily basis.I’ve drank more soda on trail then I have in my lifetime, this will end immediately off trail.The variety of shapes,sizes, and kinds of trees is a beautiful thing.My smell bothers me sometimes, I can’t imagine how others must feel.Dark clothes attract ticks.I eat raw garlic every night in hopes to keep ticks and insects away.Cold soda and cold beer are the two best beverages to stumble across out here.I have a couple new toe bliters, but they’ve already calloused over.A pair of clean socks is literally one of the best feelings.My body craves fresh fruits and veggies on a daily basis.The bird life on trail is extremely diverse.

I’m sick of wearing this outfit.The majority of hikers have a phone with them. I’ve seen the most beautiful sunsets of my life on trail.Loneliness is nothing to be proud of.My Vasques are holding up beautifully with 1,000 constant miles under their belt. I’ve decided to pass my MTELs when I get back to MASS.The Shenandoah Park was my least favorite section so far. The feeling of rain falling while hiking is so wonderful. Putting on wet clothes in the morning is very uncomfortable. People who lack knowledge about the trail truthfully treat hikers like a rare species

Positive thinking during the most challenging moments is one of the harder things I have strived to succeed in. The majority of people think I’m from Canada.My cooking pot is massive. Many moments on trail I have secretly thanked my parents for bringing me camping throughout my entire young life.I frequently regret not visiting my grandmother before hitting the trail. Living homeless a year prior to trail most definitely prepared me for life out here.Missing coastal summer activities is a real thing to me. I still love peanut butter even though I eat it daily. Big Green is my best companion.Independently hiking means no built in support…this is hard sometimes 

The colors of nature are beyond amazing.When your body hurts, it hurts for a reason…listen to it. Either tea or coffee has been consumed almost every day on trail. I prefer the early morning hike and in bed by 8ish.I have only taken two vitamin I on trail. As the days pass, I stretch less and less.As recent weeks pass, I journal less too. I will actively work towards practicing journaling and stretching daily.I don’t worry about ticks even though this should be a definite fear.What I am doing is small compared to what others have done in this world

Appreciate what’s with you from moment to moment…who knows if you’ll have a similar experience again.Say “yes” because an adventure is about to happen. I guess I pronounce “about” like “aboot”. I’ve discovered my love for the outdoors is no longer a daily thing…one reason for departing the trail. Privies have come in all sizes.I discovered how to love myself. I regret not hiking the .1 mile out to dragons tooth.I hope to stay connected with the lessons I have learned.All weather should be appreciated…rain, wind, humidity, sleet, sun. I met so many wonderful hikers who rock climb. My last day on trail provided me with a rockmaze. Some of these boulders had chalk on them…this made me happy. The AT museum (located shortly after the halfway point) was truthfully amazing and inspiring. My town dress is complimented on frequently. All walks of life hike the trail.No judgment is passed on any one person, because we are all in the same boat.Pine trees are wonderful…specifically their aroma and also their guard from rain. It’s sometimes hard to hike your own hike. Be where your feet are.Learn lessons during the most challenging moments.

Staying flexible is the best trick on trail.The trail will always provide.Section hikers where some of my favorite people to come across. The nicest shelters have been located in Pennsylvania.I’ve found my home, my community on trail.I never found myself lost on trail. I also never fell completely…only tripped a couple times. I would stub my toes on a daily basis.My wave necklace needed to be removed because my neck kept turning green.My dental hygiene has improved on trail.The people and community has been the most important aspect of this journey.

Although my heart breaks every time I realize this journey is coming to a close, I am truthfully grateful for every moment I have lived. All the support from my fellow loved ones has been a life changer…thankfulness isn’t the right word to express my gratitude. 

I am proud to be considered a lasher (long ass section hiker).

Time to follow EGE’s words that I so frequently live by – “do things that make you happy.”

Feelings are temporary and time is irrelevant, for what is happening  now has already passed. As I move past mourning the loss of this life, I will keep my heart open and enjoy the beautiful journeys ahead.