Day 18: Trail Magic Goodness

July 2nd, 2024

Mile Marker: 335

Miles Hiked: 26

This morning was a little chilly, around mid 40s but the wind had subsided and the sun was peaking in to keep us warm for breakfast. Both Journey and I slept in later than usual but we all still rolled out around 8 AM.

The trail had us go over down trees we had to maneuver around and after a couple hours we noticed a trail crew out with a chainsaw doing maintenance. We said thank you as many times as we could as we walked past them. I hope they truly know their work is so helpful for us.

The trail then took us over some big climbs that led us over grassy open balds.

While walking here I thought about how it’s a lot harder to stay positive in hard times when you are tired and how being negative and staying in the dumps is so much easier. I wondered why this was and how much practice it takes to cultivate a positive mindset. I wondered how we can sometimes lose this edge and slip into a world where everything seems bad. I felt like over the past year I had started to slip into this negative mindset and it was noticeable the difference between me and Journey and Robot. I could remember a version of myself that could stay lighthearted, and find the silver lining like them and found myself wanting to get fully back to that.

A question my grandmother had asked me before leaving was something along the lines of “Why are you going, if you are unsure.” I find myself asking this question almost daily. Why am I here, what am I wanting to do, what is my goal?

I then found myself working to be present while hiking, in the moment. Not wanting to be stuck sad in the past nor worried about the future and what’s to come, just to be in the moment. It reminded me of a quote my brother Albert had said to me before, “Be all about it.”

I looked at all the different colors, the vibrant blue sky and crunchy clouds. How some of them looked like they would drop raindrops any minute. I watched the grass blow in the wind and felt my breath breathing hard and heart pumping. I was fully present and felt alive.

I wonder if that view will forever be ingrained in my memory because I was intentional and present.

We hiked some more hard climbs and ended up at the top of a mountain with a lookout tower. When we reached the top there was a ton of ATVs and 4 Wheelers and what looked to be a family or group of friends and their kids all around.

They immediately greeted us and asked if we wanted a sandwich and beers since they wouldn’t be taking it. We of course said yes and I made myself a cheese and turkey sandwich and had a Rice Krispie treat and some sips of beer.

It was so extremely needed and lifted our spirits greatly even if the wind was blowing outrageously. One of the college kids kept chatting with us about how we made it happen and what it was like, he had the sparkle in his eye like he was catching onto the thru hike dream. This was rejuvenating for all of us. We even convinced them to take a group picture with us.

We saw rain coming in the distance and quickly said thank you and all headed off the mountain.

Thankfully the rain never actually reached us and passed us by. It was a full day of putting rain gear on, thinking it was going to rain, to taking it off because it’s too hot and it turns out it’s not going to rain.

The afternoon was hard physically and mentally. Robot went on ahead since he’s fast trail legs and Journey stayed with me. I was moving slow and having very little energy but just kept one foot in front of the other.

Up and down, up and down the trail went. Straight up and then lots of rocks on the way down.

It was beautiful though. Just incredible. The open views made it easier to stay positive and moving forward.

We had our longest water carry today of 20 miles. Which means we all had an extra 6 to 8 pounds on our backs. Ouchhh.

We made it to spring around 7 and called it a day. Our feet were barking and we were ready for food.

We found a spot under this massive tree.

Some cows came to visit us and I found them hilarious as everytime I looked up they stopped moving and when I looked down to unpack my bags they would move. It felt like we were playing red light green light for the people who know the game.

It was a good day. Even though exhausting, the views were just brilliant and, no rain!

Sleep well.

Iz and Oz