Recently, a friend approached me and asked to "pick my brain" about hiking/backpacking. As she explained that she and her son are planning a 100-mile section hike of the Appalachian Trail, my mind started whirling with jealousy. It took great restraint on my part to not invite myself to join them. As the conversation drifted to bears, she commented, "The more the merrier. It will help scare the bears away."
"Ahh," I thought, "maybe there is a chance I can tag along."
Becky and I met a few days later to discuss equipment and trails. Then it happened. She again mentioned "the more the merrier." So, I put my toe in the water by asking, "Would you or Jared mind if I joined you, or is the a mother/son trip?"
She cheerfully replied, "Yes, come along. Jared wouldn't mind at all."
I almost did a dance of joy right there in the restaurant. I think I had a three-day grin.
We are now in training mode. Because Jared has only five or six days to complete 100 miles, we will have to cover 15-20 miles per day. With a full pack (around 35 pounds), this will be a challenge for me. Thankfully, we have plenty of time to prepare as this adventure is several months away. A training plan has been established and we are having an incredibly fun time.
Our first hike was 15 miles from Shady Valley, TN to Damascus, VA. We averaged 2.5 miles an hour and it felt great.
She cheerfully replied, "Yes, come along. Jared wouldn't mind at all."
I almost did a dance of joy right there in the restaurant. I think I had a three-day grin.
We are now in training mode. Because Jared has only five or six days to complete 100 miles, we will have to cover 15-20 miles per day. With a full pack (around 35 pounds), this will be a challenge for me. Thankfully, we have plenty of time to prepare as this adventure is several months away. A training plan has been established and we are having an incredibly fun time.
Our first hike was 15 miles from Shady Valley, TN to Damascus, VA. We averaged 2.5 miles an hour and it felt great.
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