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| Wolf Laurel Top (I think) |
"In order to see things others do not see we must be willing to go where others do not go, do those things others refuse to do, and do them at times that are often inconvenient. It is when we optimize our opportunities, and overcome our obstacles that we experience those all-too-rare, ever-elusive exceptional moments in life." Hiker Dude's Adventure Weblog
Today's entry is wonderful. I downloaded Father Fiction to my Kindle.
I captured this exceptional moment above on Feb. 14, 2013. We had been walking about 2 hours I think when I noticed a little side path off the Appalachian Trail. I would have missed this incredible view had I not taken the little path to the right (reminds me of the book, The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck - great book). I'm grateful for the gift of curiosity that brought me to this place and for the camera that allowed me to capture a small part of the beauty so that I could share it.
Presently, I'm at home. It was a difficult decision to leave the AT on Feb. 16, 2013 but a smart decision since the temperature dropped that night to around 17 degrees and I'm sure felt colder with the wind chill factor for those who remained on the trail (I remember them in my prayers every day -- it's been COLD in the North Georgia mountains). It's been cold two hours South of the North Georgia mountains - it is winter.
I don't regret starting on February 14th and only being out 2.5 days. I would have missed meeting Ears, Chris, RV, Bruce, Doug, Patrick (three mouseketeers - hammock guys). Maybe I would not have had the privilege of hiking with Winkle or the opportunity to get to know Roy from the fitpacking.com hike. I learned that my tent can withstand sleet and I can take down a frozen tent. At almost every turn I encountered affirmation and encouragement. Even as I walked down to Unicoi Gap and knew I was getting off the trail, hikers from the Georgia Adventurers Group were coming up and cheered me on. WildChild is preparing to thru-hike in 2014. What a beautiful smile on her face when she learned I was a thru-hiker. Someone with her asked my hiker number. Never expected anyone would ask. A couple asked if I was keeping a journal online and said they would follow me. The man's name was MoBill aka Papa Smurf. So, when I begin again and when cold and snow is in the forecast, I will have had a little experience.
The dermatologist office called about 5:20 PM last night and I do have an early stage basal cell cancer on my arm. It will be removed on March 12 (first available appointment) by a laser procedure. If a cancellation comes up before the 12th, they will call. I told her I could be there in 15 minutes. I'm practicing patience; is it possible God wants me to wait ?
I have gone back to daily Mass and have received some interesting looks, questions, and comments. Two people said "Wow, that's the fastest thru-hike ever !"
I'm enjoying my husband's company, cooking (makes G-4 happy), the warmth and comfort of my home, talking with family and friends. I'm testing a new pair of Keens (for hiking), walking with Buddy around town, looking at the AWOL Guidebook and planning, and once again, waiting and reading, of course. Rain and more cold is in the forecast for our area and the mountains.
When I return to the trail, I will not have the leisure time to put up lengthy posts but I have enjoyed keeping busy blogging in this down time.
Thanks for following along and for your positive comments and suggestions and affirmations. I appreciate each and everyone.
So until I have completed the trail in Georgia,
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Lead Me Lord by John Becker -- this was the gathering song at Mass for the 1st Sunday of Lent; I like the voice of the singer on this childrens' version from Youtube. Jesus said:
"...unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 18:3 So, take a few minutes and become like a child while you listen and watch this video.
Refrain:
Lead me, Lord, lead me, Lord,
by the light of truth
to seek and to find the narrow way.
Be my way; be my truth;
be my life, my Lord,
and lead me, Lord, today.
Your days on the trail were a blessing to me....
ReplyDeletethe pictures ,stunning.If you wanted to whet my appetite for the trail,you have done it.
Your post months ago about the Camino started our journey.
No matter when you get back or if you get back,you have inspired many of us.May the laser barely make itself felt and may you heal rapidly.
To me, the AT has always been sacred ground;now I know why.Bravo!
Thanks, Sharon. I'll be heading back to the sacred ground sooner rather than later. The dermatologist will work me in for next Wednesday--2 weeks earlier than my appt. Yay !
DeleteThank you for sharing this photo--what a breathtaking view! I'm glad you are enjoying your break from the trail while you wait to have surgery. I have had basal cell cancer on my face & recovery went very well. I'll be praying for your procedure & the healing process. The AT will be waiting for you when you're ready!
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Sandra
Sandra: Thank you for your prayers. It's a simple procedure that takes less than 10 min. I'll end up with a little band-aid with ointment underneath and I'll be back on the trail.
Deleteget it done and heal uup. april 300 a month 8 months flip in pa at the 1200 mile mark starts you in at katadin in july. which would end you in pa in october it will probably still be warm then our summers run long. love your blog get back as soon as you can ill be looking for u. god bless your gifts are your salvation.
ReplyDeleteor start in pa half mark or harpers ferry for easy train access. you can probably hitch. hike north then flip back to harpers ferry to hike south to unicoi gap. you can do it. just do it, get her dooooooooooone im looking forward to the spiritual coverage.
ReplyDeletePrayerwalker, so glad to hear that the dermatologist can do procedure next week and that it can be taken care of by laser surgery which I understand is less painful and heals quicker. My prayers will be with you.
ReplyDeleteYour posts and beautiful pictures have been a blessing to me!
Thank you for your prayers. What a blessing to know that so many people are praying for me.
DeletePrayerwalker,
ReplyDeleteI was so excited to find your blog. I am patiently waiting for God to open the doors to my own thru-hike. Until then, thanks for taking me along. Twenty years ago, I lived in Johnson City, TN and preached in a church just outside Hot Springs, NC but didn't know anything about the AT. Now I live in Nebraska and dream for the day to return. Makes me wonder how many other blessings I have missed out on because I wasn't listening. Anyway, count me as one of your prayer warriors. GA-ME on!
-Onlooker
Onlooker, thanks for your prayers.
DeleteHi PrayerWalker I am glad I found your journal... I was apart of the day hikers you saw that day, the one thru hiking next year. It was a blessing meeting you out there, I look forward to reading your journals and all that is to come... You have been and will continue to be in my prayers.... You rock. Continue to be blessed.
ReplyDeleteWildChild :o}
WildChild, it was great to meet you. Thanks so much for keeping me in your prayers. I look forward to following your thru-hike in 2014 !
DeleteHi PrayerWalker ! We met as you walked down to Unicoi Gap, passing the group of AT Section Hikers from the Georgia Adventurers Group. My Trail Name is MoBill... although the trail has renamed me lately, as now I'm Papa Smurf. :)
ReplyDeleteYou should join our club, just Google Georgia Adventurers...its FREE and we'd love to hear about your 2013 journey on the AT.
If you need any help, shuttle back, etc.. just let me know, I'll be glad to help.
“Believe one who knows; you will find something greater in woods than in books. Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters.” - St. Bernard de Clairvaux
The Trail is Waiting on you.... :)
" Papa Smurf " aka MoBill
Woodstock, GA
Email: MoBill122@aol.com
Papa Smurf aka MoBill, thanks for the info on the Georgia Adventurers Group as well as the offer of help. Thanks also for your prayers. What a beautiful quote from St. Bernard of Clairvaux - love it !
DeletePrayerWalker, I have been following your post. Glad all is well. I will be looking forward to your return on the AT. I am praying for you. What a wonderful time to reflect on God's blessings this time of Lent Daily mass is such an uplift. I may surprise you and join you for a few days. Keep trucking. Nancy in Florida.
ReplyDelete