Day 117: Dream big and make it happen.

July 26, 2017

7:51 PM

Total Miles: 1738

I started slowly waking up early around 4:45 as I heard people below rumbling about. I couldn’t really see out the cabin windows. Maybe there is a sunrise?

Next thing I know, I jump up and snap my foot back as I feel something grabbing it. Being in a semi sleep zone, it startled me greatly. I look down and see Woodpile quietly laughing to not wake Alex and Planner and he whispers “There is an awesome sunrise you have to see, I don’t want you to miss it”

Ok ok ok. Let me grab my contacts to put in… I’m coming. Darn imperfect eyes. 😂

I get outside of the cabin and in between the trees I see a a slight light and clouds/fog in the mountains…

My excitement quickly woke me up.

I raced up to the lookout tower above the cabin and my breath was taken away.

The sun was just behind the mountains and gave a wonderful glow over the mountains and the fog in between the mountains.

It was one of the best sunrises I have ever witnessed.

I was thankful for Woodpile waking me up.

I went downstairs made my oatmeal and then brought my hot coffee back up to sit and watch the sunrise.

I found myself becoming greedy.

I wanted this moment to last forever.

This moment of sitting in absolute quietness before the world wakes up, this moment of cool crisp morning air, this moment of a coffee in my hand, beautiful scenery, and pure satisfaction pulsing in my being.

I wanted to push pause and bask in this bliss for hours.

I couldn’t ask for a better way to start my day. I just really couldn’t.

After my cup of Joe was empty I headed back down and got ready for the day. I had a 6 mile hike to On The Edge Farm. A place that sells fresh goodies.

Once there I got a muffin and Starbucks coffee. A second breakfast that was absolutely delicious and well worth the 4 bucks.

From there it was a roller coaster of trail that went up and down.

Through fields of wildflowers that put a smile on my face.

Around noon I needed to make a phone call. So I hiked fast until I was able to get some service.

I made the call and the butterflies in my stomach flew free with excitement.

While I am completing one of my biggest dreams, I get the news that my next biggest dream has come to fruition.

I have been accepted into the peace Corps to serve for two years in Ethiopia where I will leave in Jan of 2018.

I could not believe it.

I had applied in Feb and in April I was contacted for an interview. So I popped off trail and went to Knoxville so I could have my Skype interview.

After that it was a waiting game. The woman who interviewed me was super flexible as she knew I was out on the trail.

She was excited to give me the news but she isn’t going to officially ask me till mid August when I get home so I don’t have to worry about the paperwork on trail.

How nice is that?

I couldn’t have been happier. I was grinning from ear to ear.

Shortly afterwards Planner and I ran across a cooler with Soda.

Cheers, a soda to celebrate. 🙂

Later in the day we reached a small town of west Hartford.

There they had a bridge that one was able to jump off …

and then a little further down trail angel that lets hikers stay in her barn.

She even sets out sodas, cupcakes, watermelon for free for any hiker.

Just someone wanting to help out hikers. True Magic!

We planned to do another 3 miles but it was a wonderful spot and it is planning to rain.

We were satisfied with staying. It was a solid 20 mile day.

Later we walked back to the bridge and shoo bear, Colby Jack, Alex, and planner jumped off the bridge.

Did I? Noo thank you. Jumping into water is not my favorite. Jumping out of a plane. Heck yes. Into water. I’m good. Plus… I had no towel or anything warm to wrap up in after being wet. Hard pass 🙂

The barn even had a TV and a ton of VHS to watch. I’m satisfied. 🙂

What a day.

A glorious day. Tomorrow we hit New Hampshire.

Here we go. 🙂

Iz and Oz