June 29, 2001
Sitting on a rock. Looking over Windygap. Having a breakfast of champions--cold oatmeal--and admiring a hazy view of PA. I smile because it will be one of my last views of PA. I started early yesterday and today to avoid the heat of the day. Despite all of my nay-saying and the fact that my internal alarm is set for 8:30, I really enjoy these early mornings in the woods. Hiked over Lehigh Gap yesterday morning. I've been hearing about it forever. If it had been an Around Camp Activity (ACA) game at Green Cove, it would have been called "CLIMB THAT SCRAMBLE." But like most things, all the hype and expectations were worse than the actual drill. It was even fun in the cool early morning breeze to do some rock climbing. Norway and I celebrated by making the day a short one--16 miles. Trail magic came to us at the Leroy Smith shelter via Gizzie, a wonderful man, beer distributor (not to us), and thru-hiker from 1996. We met some new folks and tried really hard to play nice to others. Norway and I had more long talks about family dynamics and birth order and mothers. What an incredible woman. I also stepped in a wasp's nest and pulled off my second deer tick today.
Thoughts I've been thinking, but not recording:
Walking down in the rain to meet Rob in Port Clinton, I fell in love with myself all over again. The kind of coffee-house-slam-poetry that I hate sprang defiantly from my lips. I was so preoccupied carefully choosing my footsteps through the rocky path that I couldn't squelch it. I talked to Mom. I talked to myself. I talked to God. I narrated my adventures as a real-life heroine.
I've been pondering the idea that tripping comes not from failing to notice when and where we put our foot down, but instead, when we should pick it up.
Yesterday I experienced what I had always thought the trail would be like: warm weather, birds singing, wind ambling through the leaves overhead, mottled sunlight shining through the treetops of a lush green forest, light pack, walking with a lifetime friend on a moderate trail laughing and talking about life.
Thought back to GA and how things had changed--mountains, scenery, rocks, pack weight, fitness, hair, people, mileage, seasons, weather.
Thought back to last July 4th and how things changed. How I got where I am. Personal freedom and independence. What's going on with my family. The family is getting a little closer. Dad is getting closer with his extended family. This year I met Dad's extended family for the first time.
Everyday I feel like a more complete person. I feel more whole, more satisfied, more happy, more ready to relate with other people.
Storyteller gave me a magnificent compliment. "You're my hero Noggin. You are your own woman." He said it because I hiked naked and shaved my head.
I'm considering trying to race the post office for fun today. I go now.
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