Cucumber Mud Pie

Hiking along the trail with the lingering smell of freshly cut cucumber in my mind. The Copper Head snake has gratefully kept his distance from me, but the frequent moments I passed this snake has exceeded the amount of times I’m comfortable with. A Tenessee local informed me that when one is in the area of a copper head, the smell of fresh cut cucumber will liger in the air. Although this has always been a lovely smell, I finish myself connecting this aroma with fear and rushing to remove myself from the area. 

The wildlife on trail has been around, but not as much as I would have thought. The wonderful bunnies have made their appearance, along with a deer, some snakes, frogs, and salimanders. There have been plenty of bears near and on trail, but I have yet to have the opportunity to experience this…totally not complaining though. 

With wildlife comes wild weather. Rain has been the norm, causing the soft and squishy mud trail. As stated to many others, the sensory feels of hiking threw the mud is one that brings me great happiness. Feeling like a young child jumping threw rain puddles, there I was, purposefully guiding my feet to the muddy sections. 

Moto of the day : There’s no glory in being a mud pie.  Twenty six years ago today I was brought into this world by a family filled with love and happiness. Here I am now, celebrating this time in my life on trail and LOVING it. Yesterday morning I strolled into Damascus, VA after hiking a series of 15 mile days, followed by a 20 mile, then a 24 mile day. After hiking 6 miles in 1.5 miles, my body and mind was beyond grateful to enter Damascus the following day. 

Many would say I missed the event aka Trail Days. I believe my timing was perfect. Skipping the parade and activities involving thousands of people was part of my plan. I was able to catch up with wonderful friends and experience the last part of trail days in a calm and gentle way. Last night I threw back a few beverages around the fire with beautiful humans. 

The festivities began this morning. A fantastic friend I met, Hatchet, opened his iced honey bun and put a stick in the sweet pastry. Once again, around the fire, this great group of people sang happy birthday to me. A deep breath in and a puff out. The stick candle was blown out while a smile stretched across my face. Grateful to be surrounded by so many caring and kind people. The day went on just like any other town day. Food restock, finance organizing, laundry, and organizing. 

While waiting for laundry, my lovely hiker self parked my butt on a chair outside the Trailside Cafe in Damascus VA (a highly recommended location for grub!). In I went to order a salad…craving the veggies and fruits, and yano…and update the blog. The element of surprise struck me once again. Wok Man, Strider, Starbucks, and Pebbles entered the restraunt with cupcakes and the cafe t-shirt in hand. Happy Birthday was once gain sung to me.

A beautiful day filled with so much love and support. 

I have hiked close to 500 miles. 

After arriving in the state of Virginia I am so stoked to experience the vast land and travel by foot through the longest mileage within one state…around 500 miles. 

With the worry of finances (debt is a challenging bump for sure) cutting this journey short, the reminder of appreciating each second of every day has been a strong feeling in my life. 

Wherever this trail leads and whenever this journey comes to an end, I will be grateful and beyond happy with each moment. 

A massive THANK YOU to all the family and friends back in my previous life who have continued to support me. 

Feel free to check out this short snippet of a video my wonderful friend has begun to create. 

Continue to live a life that brings you happiness and love. 

AT Hiker Video