Insights from Pace

Pace sent me this email. (Don't forget to click on the title to see where they have been.)

Pace - in my own words

 

"April 20th, 2011 - 23 days on the trail - 348.1 miles 

Porter asked Socks on why she was hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) and she said, "Because I can."  This got me thinking why I was drawn to the AT.  Bottom line it that it was to put life in prospective.  So often most of us get caught in the daily grind and lose sight of the simply and important things.  The trail forces me to live in the present.  I have not found myself living in the past or the future which is a true gift.    

The thru-hiking community is very difficult to describe.  For the most part, one hikes all day seeing very few or no people.  When you meet a follow hiker you always ask for their trail name.  Trail names are not your given name.  For example, I am called Pace because I set the hiking pace and I have a pacemaker to keep my heart ticking.  Anyway, often the converstation is about where they started their day and where they hope their lungs and legs will take them.  It is good to check where other follow thru-hiker friends might be on the trail. 

One of the best parts of introducing yourself is staying connected to the advice and wisdom of others.  There are several repeat thru-hikers that have so much to offer.  For example, Tim who is on his seventh thru-hike has made all of his gear out of cuban fiber and has a wealth of knowledge.  Two days ago we met "501" who thru-hiked once before.  He was heading for a hostel, but we where not sure if he knew what he was talking about.  A couple nights ago a group of us were eating dinner at the shelter and discovered 501 was AT royality.  501 wrote the Thru-Hikers Handbook for years and recently sold the rights to David "AWOL" Miller. 

Porter, 501, and Pace 4/19/11

So just like in non-trail life we pass judgments when you meet someone on the trail.  Once you get to know people in the shelters you find how wrong you were.  Porter and I have been working on not judging or having expectations of others on the trail.  If their is room in a shelter we always stay because it is easier to set up and pack up in the morning.  When it rains the shelters are heavenly, but often cramped and you always make room for more hikers.  For example, one night it was snowing and sleeting and a lean-to designed for twleve people held twenty-two.  When the weather is cold your tent is the best place for warmth.  

Of the 23 days we have been out I have used my tent about six times.  The tent will be used alot more during the buggy season.  The weather changes often.  One day we had a 90-degree day on top of the mountain and the next day we had 3 inches of snow.

The trail has humbled me and brought me closer to peace.   PACE"

Jay & Carrie (Porter's Brother & sister-in-law) They drove down to VA to see them!

Easter Day Pace & Porter - They had spaghetti out of bag...yum.

Trisha - Bob Trail Angels

Roan High Knob Shelter - this shelter is the highest on the AT

Easter Breakfast at the B&B

Barn that is a AT shelter. They slept with 20 others and 3 dogs.

Outside Privy

 Porter wishes everyone the best and says they are having fun. They plan on being in Damascus, VA on Thursday. They have 50 miles to get there.

 

Porter and Pace Appalachian trail 4-14 to 4-17-11

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