Monday, June 2, 2008
Virginia Blues
I'm in Pearisburg, VA for the night. I am staying in a hotel room for the night since there are no hiker hostels here. At the hotel, hikers get "special" rates, but they also get "special" rooms. Mine has a shag rug and furniture from the 70's...hehe. Still, its cleaner than the shelter I stayed in last night so I can't complain. It's spring and the weather is getting hotter everyday. The bug and snake populations are growing but the mouse populations are decreasing (from the snakes.) At the last 3 shelters I've been to, I've seen black snakes. The last one was actually in the toilet of the outhouse...4 feet long and slithering through the poop. I won't be using those anymore. The terrain is getting a little monotonous in VA...lots of ridge walking with no views. I'm in a green tunnel of trees all day...up and down. It's rained on me at least once a day for the past week. I've been a lot more homesick lately and I lost all of my hiking family when I took a few days off to visit a friend last week...so my spirits are down. I hiked a 19 mile day this week but ended up crying the whole last hour. Its been a rough week emotionally and although I can see why most hikers who've made it this far quit in VA, I'm not ready to go home yet.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking. ~Buddhist Saying
Sister!!! This is where the trail becomes challenging! You have already conquered your physical feats, but it's overcoming mental challenges that make you grow and show you exactly what you are made of! You are stronger than this and you will meet a new family. I love you, think of me and K9 puppies next time you are feeling low!
Nicole, I don't know where you find your reserves of strength from but I admire you like hell for having done this. What an amazing accomplishment to have got on the trail and come this far. Your poor lil' feet, I would love to have a cup of tea with you while you soak your tootsies and hear all about your adventures! When do you think you'll be crossing into NY?
lots of love,
Allyson
At least they are only black snakes... when you start seeing other kinds, that's when you need to start worrying! A tip: If you happen to leave your tent and your sleeping bag is layed out, open it up and check- anything can be in there (snakes, scorpions, etc).
Just think of what's ahead...it may be monotonous now...but I'm sure the views and experiences after that will be well worth it.
Rain, well... tis the season! May want to start getting used to that.
You'll meet new people. Don't give up. Eventhough we all miss you here and would like for you to come home...we still want you to do what you set out to do. Stay positive. If at that point, you are still homesick and not enjoying... then make a decision, but only you can do that. The AT will always be there... who's to say you can't go back and finish, right? Do what is best for you. Don't let anyone talk you in or out of it.
Love ya,
Dani
Niki,, Hang tough...when you think you can't possibly go another step dig down deep and take that next step... Im sure you are going through what most adventurers go through on every adventure...Think of the climbers on Mt. Everest how lonely and isolated they must feel... You will be out of Va soon and on your way,,,Remember this..When the goin gets tough the tough get goin... This is your lifes dream... You go girl... We love and are rutten for ya...Steve and Melanie...
Hi Nicole,
sorry to hear about the boring view, but just think about how beautiful the view will be when you get out of there and onto the rocks! Hey Nicole, I asked the family in Palm Bay if they knew where Pearisburg was. Aunt Melanie said when she was living in WV that's the place all the underage kids went if they wanted to get married! hehe! It sounds like you've been having some big days with big miles! Remember, the more you walk, the faster you'll be out of VA and I'm sure you'll eventually meet up with someone you know soon. Dad and I love you and miss you. Adolie says,"Me Too". We are with you every step of the way(in thoughts and hearts) along with so many others who are following along with you on your hike. Watch where you sit (snakes) and SPOT is often.
Can't wait to read your next blog!!
Love, Mom and Dad
Post a Comment