Through the Binoculars Boys and Girls

We have all seen wildlife, in some form or another. The majority of humans, from a young age, are educated about different animals from around the world. We know creatures are out there, somewhere, just trying to survive. 

Hikers who explore the Appalachian Trail will see a variety of creatures and will most likely have many opportunities to see bear. 

I had not seen any bears in the three months I have been living on trail, which after talking with my fellow community, I discovered was rare. 

Laying in my hammock, one of my favorite places to be by the way, the second day into the Shenandoa National Patk and I hear rustling in the trees. From 40 feet away or so, a black small sized blur passes through the trees. Hikers within the past couple days have mentioned in the shelter log of a large Mama and three Cubs who have been roaming around within the area. 

I’m assuming I just saw one of the Cubs. Not sure how I feel. Maybe a little too comfortable, thinking more towards the side of the beautiful creatures not looking to harm, maybe just to scavenge. I am a visitor in their home…well maybe it’s not that I’m a visitor, but living in harmony among the woods. These beautiful animals are just part of my home too. I will continue to love this area and show nothing but kindness. 

How interesting to loose energy and motivation so quickly. With only about five days left in Virginia and I find myself so exaughsted, both physically and mentally. Currently 8:30 AM. A severe thunderstorm rolled through early this morning and was followed by heavy rain ever since. It is starting to hold up now, but the motivation to get out of my hammock (which is slightly damp along with my sleeping bag…set up a little off) is nowhere to be found. Ever since I entered the Shenendoah Park, being my least favorite section of the AT so far, my legs have been tired and I am mentally drained. 

Within a flick of a switch I went from positive, energetic, and loving mostly all the moments, to drained emotionally, mentally, and physically. Aggravated with myself and this recent change, I start to wonder what happened? Well for starters, living in the woods for three months definitely has something to do with it. Walking day after day with no green for such a long distance, over 900 miles now, probably has something to do with this recent change also. 

There should never be a reason for excuse when it comes to a hiker wanting to hike smaller mileage. Laying in my hammock this morning, I find myself thanking the rain…for if the weather was dry I would have already been walking on trail. Thank you rain for giving my the excuse to “sleep in” for the first time in months. 

Virginia has been my favorite state, but I sure am excited to walk past the mason Dixon line. It has taken me three months to walk half of the Appalachian Trail. I am curious to see how this northern section unfolds. 

Reminding myself daily that I am the person who has chosen to explore this trail. I am able to get off at any moment. Promising myself now, that if I find myself unhappy for days on end, then I will find the strength and acceptance to remove myself from this way of living…at least for the time being. 

It’s time I listen to the advice I tell those around me…live a life that surrounds you with  happiness and love. I’ve loved the trail and this journey, but if I find myself unhappy than what’s the point. Sure, thru hiking is a beautiful accomplishment! Once I start something, it’s rare I don’t finish. Maybe this journey will be different. 

Discomfort and physical exaughstion can be accepted…but the mental mind game the trail plays with the hiker is one that definitely cannot be overlooked. 

Only time will tell where these feet of mine will lead me. 

Mason Dixon line, here I come!

Keep on smiling my wonderful friends and happy beginning of summer!

~Chia xo