07/01

A day that started with gorgeous views and ended in ankle deep mud. We hiked 22 miles, our longest day yet. It’s hard to believe that only a couple months ago, we were barely pushing 6 miles a day. The Appalachian trail is a never ending test of limits. Physically, mentally, emotionally, you’re challenged every day. Some are harder than others, but at the end of each day I’m left feeling proud. Proud of how far we’ve traveled yes, but more so proud of what we’ve endured. Through hiking the AT is a true testament to the human spirit. Choosing to get up everyday and do it all again. Seeing how far you can push. Telling myself “you’re almost there” knowing there’s over a thousand miles to go. I wish I could say I’ve stayed positive through it all, but that’s not the truth. I’ve cursed in pain, cried out of frustration, and stared blankly at the ground while rain soaked my bones. Every time I think I’ve reached my limit, I’m forced to dig just a little deeper. Reaching for something. Something to hold onto just a little longer. Miraculously, every time I go looking, I find it.

Today was hard. I hobbled into the Paul Wolfe Shelter at 8:30pm, feet bruised and begging for mercy. Dripping wet. Skin burning from the layers of deet melting through my pores. Tears falling down my face and blood running down my leg. I laid silent on the hard wood floor, listening to the rain batter the roof above.

Tomorrow is a new day, the sun will rise and I’ll keep walking. I’ll choose to do it all again, because I am.