Images of Soul Restoration

Appalachian Trail and Great Smoky Mountains National Park

16 - 18 June 2013

In the company of Gregg, Kim & Chris

Our 30 mile trip over 6 days became 12 miles over 3 days because of continuing rain and an Achilles Tendon issue.  Those who had been in the rain for a week all last year weren't game for rain soaked backpacking.  I don't blame them.

Kim received her AT trail name, more like earned it!  She would dry backpacker's shoes, insoles and socks as they came into the shelter soaking wet.  She was very much appreciated.  Kim minded the fire and the socks.  So she is now HotSocks

The views are too breathtaking to describe with words.  There are too many images to share here.  I could get lost there for eternity and be so happy.

Mountain Laurel and Flaming Azalea were plentiful and in full bloom.

I'm ready to go back!

After only three days out there I feel like a new woman.  I am getting yard/garden/housework done with purpose and enjoying the feeling of purpose.  I need to figure out how to get this renewal more consistently.  Life is too hard to try to muscle it out.  The renewal is needed and the rest.

Does Ultra Running Translate well to Backpacking? YES!

I'm thrilled with my first backpacking experience!

We planned 6 days backpacking on the Appalachian Trail in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, starting out at Cades Cove, near Gatlinburg, TN.

"When man makes plans, God laughs."

Day one 6 miles straight uphill.  Okay, at 1 mile per hour we rocked that.  No pain, no blisters, just some great scenes with great company.

Night one, it started to rain!

Day two it rained.  Gregg injured his Achilles Tendon so we didn't get the planned mileage on day two.

Night two, it rained!

Day three it rained.  I took a little hike up to a higher knob to get a signal, checked radar and the forecast and took the bad news back to the others.  We packed up and hiked back down the mountain.
The hotel changed our reservation from Friday to that night, we stayed an extra day and drove home on Wednesday.

What a bummer, but I got a taste and love the menu!!

I will include pictures and gear review when I get everything sorted out.  

Stumbling Trying to Find My Stride

Life is awful then you die!
I need to count my blessings more cause I'm wallowing in the mire of "poor pity me"! 

Time to just run, just ride, just do.  So what if the solo training crap sucks, so what.  Do it anyway.

Life goes on.