Walking with God Sept 1

 Sept 1, 2012/   Where Arbuckle Acre, A soft rain fell and it was 88 or so, rain felt good
Distance 1.5 and 3 miles
Total  35.5
Goal for now

All started well. I was excited for Hurricane Isaac had come from New Orleans all the way to Indiana and we were again to get some much needed rain. But that isn't why as I begin my walk I am excited. Bill seems to be going along with hiking in all kinds of weather and so I will most likely be walking in rain which for me will be just a touch of the spirit of walking the AT trail. They walked in all kinds of weather.

Well I did just that walked in a soft gentle rain after walking in a very humid 82 degree morning. I have a much better understanding of some of the hikers I have been following who choose to not put their rain gear on but just let the coolness of the rain cool them down. Also the woods have a different look when things are wet. Colors are richer and rain drops are beautiful at times on flowers. The sound of rain falling on trees is very peacfull. This was going well.

Now this is my personal journal to look back on as I get much farther along so it will contain all of my highs, lows and struggles. Today for the first time I got a feel for the bathroom problem when hiking. Now being as my bladder is extremely weak, I very suddenly needed to go, so  the question is, can I talk myself into going in the wood, really it’s raining who will see. I keep looking for a spot and my courage began to fade. If someone had been with me and could be my lookout I might have been OK, but they weren’t, so I decided to back track to were a restroom was. Well the only way to put it is, I DIDN’T MAKE IT. Oh great what now. I will admit this will be one of those occasions that I am glad I really wasn’t on the AT trail, for I called Bill and said honey could you come get me and bring a towel. He was very cheerful and said “I will be right there”. But the best part is that I may finally have some help on this large goal I have set. His comment when I got in the car was if you think your finished for the day, you’re not. Later I will bring you right back here and you will finish. Wow, this is helpful.
 

OK after a shower and breakfast I went back and walked 3 more miles. It was still raining a bit harder then when I left with my little problem but I was so proud of Bill for taking me back anyway.  I loved to hear the sound of rain on the leaves it was soft and comforting. You could almost hear the woods saying thank you. I was thinking of how terribly freighting this storm was for the south and left destruction everywhere but when it comes to us it is a prayed for rain, gentle and exciting. All in all it was a great day.
May it have God’s Blessing.

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Now if I was really on the AT trail I would be at Neel’s Gap

 

 

 

 

 

This 20.8 mile section of the Appalachian Trail follows the scenic Blue Ridge in Georgia. Starting at Neels Gap, the trail in this section travels over Wolf Laurel Top, Cowrock, Wildcat Mountain, Poor Mountain and Blue Mountain before finally reaching Unicoi Gap. There are three shelters as well as four campsites scattered along this section of the trail.

This section of the trail begins as the trail crosses US 19 at Neels Gap and reaches Mountain Crossings at Walasi-Yi Center, a full service Outfitter as well as a Hostel. The trail actually travels through the building. You'll find some supplies, stove fuels, showers, coin laundry and possible Internet access. A little oasis along the Appalachian Trail. They also hold packages for a $1 donation.

 

 

 

OK enough daydreaming tomorrow is Sunday and a day of rest. With Bill now being more supportive I hope next week is better. I went back and read day 1 of this adventure and this was a wise thing to do. To remember what the 1^st mile was like and to see the goals I had in the beginning. Well I did have my first real walk in rain, and I am feeling the nudge of Gods teaching. I also have begun to have the outside walks as a rule of thumb and inside when things don’t work our as well that day. So my little 35 miles seems rather amazing when I think of my 1^st mile on the tread mill.
May it have God’s Blessing.