Smankin - Appalachian Trail Journal - 2010

Journal Entry

Today was one of my best days out here. It started by waking up to skywalker, sugar Ray and sandbagger getting ready for the day. Skywalker and sugar Ray are these probably 6'5- 6'6 tall men. Sugar Ray had a broken nose because a bag of rocks hit him in the nose after throwing a bear bag. Once I finally packed my bag I had three candy bars for breakfast and could not focus to save my life because of sugar high. We started hiking around 10 but when I got to the top of a mountain, it was so pretty up there that I couldn't help but stop for about an hour. The trees and leaves and sun and breeze and rocks and flowers and bees and even the black flies were stunning. I eventually caught up with crafty (Heather), deets, Kate and slomo

(Kevin) and hiked the rest of the afternoon with them; they're truly some of the funniest, chillest people I have ever met. For all you newton Folk, they remind me of Ms. Norton a good bit! On a side note:

thank you so muh Ms. Norton. Everything you told me has proved to be immeasurably useful! Your support could not mean more to me.

At one point the five of us crossed a highway. Before we got back on the trail we put our hiking poles in and did a "go mount crumpet" cheer. We were hoping to see the grinch and Sally loo hoo but that didn't happen. The final climb of the day was a tough one but I was in really great company so I didn't mind one bit! I am watching the sun set right now behind the mountains. A few days ago this kid who was section hiking said to me "almost there" as I was nearing the top of one peak. In my head I scuffed, almost to Maine?

Yeah right. But then I thought a little more and realized heck I was almost to the top of this mountain and heck I was a few miles from the shelter where I'd be in great company and have a filling meal so yes I was almost there. Too often we set too big of goals. When I'm feelin overwhelmed I realize most of the time it is because I am looking at a broad goal. To get to a dream all you have to do is break it down into smaller goals. To conquer a mountain all you have to do is break it down into smaller steps.

The other day I was thinking to myself about my dear friend Yelly. A while back I was complaining to her about a boy who hurt me. She patiently listened and then when I was done ranting said, "well yes that's all true, but did you learn from it?". Those were some of the wisest words I have heard. Life is not all good and often we are handed bad cards but if we can learn from a situation, every experience is worthwhile. I've had friends go through eating disorders and bad schools and deaths of parents, friends, family but they wouldn't be as strong as or who they are without those under their belts. It's how we deal with the crummy situations that make us the people we are.

You don't get anywhere if you don't try to learn from your mistakes or the misfortunes life throws your way.

on a super duper side note I need to thank a dear boy in my life! I have never been able to express exactly what you mean to me and I don't expect just because I am in the woods that it will come to me now but here goes nothing. Each time I'm about half way up a mountain and my breathing gets heavy and I start to feel the pain set in in my blisters and bad knee, you start talking to me. I look to my right and there you are, panting just as hard as me. You're the one telling me just one step at a time and not to stop because my knee will cramp up.

I attribute many of the wise thoughts I have to you, my dear brother.

I look up to you more than words can explain and not just in the 6'4 sense. I called you the other day homesick as the dickens and you didn't take my shananagons. You reminded me everyone was a phone call away and I was so lucky to be here. You distracted me from the bad by asking about the good. You inspire me to go for my dreams. Everytime you said I love you too, I know I must be kinda cool because of how few people you actually say It to. I can't wait for our hamburger at the end of the summer. Thanks Jenny for making him happy; anyone who makes my big brother happy gets an A+ in my book. I'm so proud of you, haaaarvard boy. I love you.

To my dear marathon team: you Guys are incredulous!! I know the marathon is coming up soon: rock that thang!

As a final note, heard this one the other night and couldn't resist:

What is the difference between an at hiker and a homeless person?

A homeless persons clothes are a little less nice and they don't have poles

Sweet saturday night, y'all

Entry 9 of 11
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