The Biggest Lil’ Adventure
Dad and I the day before our section hike of the AT. (Trail names Dad Dog and Rainbow Warrior)
Since my little legs could carry me, I've trekked the way my parents have- big and strong. So, when Dad and I decided to take on the Appalachian Trail (AT), it seemed fitting to do a thru-hike. We could cover ~10 miles a day for 2,190 miles from Georgia to Maine, carrying only what fit in our pack and soul. We're intense, somewhat obsessive people who have both found healing from PTSD in nature. We know and need the vast space and peace for our inner and outer worlds that only comes from extended time in nature.
We are totally the thru-hiking types.
We're averaging five miles a day, which, in case you're wondering, is the same daily step count as my geriatric cat, Luke.
We're left with our true toughest summit yet- accepting our limitations. Dad is almost 76 with all the aches that come with that, and I'm 32 with degenerative disk disease, an old back break that still bothers me, and early arthritis in my neck. This has been a long time coming for both of us - the reckoning that our biggest challenge now comes in the form of accepting smaller adventures.
Instead of finding peace in the escape and grandiosity of the journey we've gotten so skilled at, we're learning to integrate small pieces, savoring each bite instead of filling our plates at the buffet. We're learning that sometimes the experts must move as beginners and that doing so doesn't make the journey less skillful, valid, or enjoyable.
I've always said that nature is the best teacher, and the bigger the trip you can take, the better.
Dad and I (trail names Dad Dog and Rainbow Warrior) on day 6 of the Appalachian Trail
But nature has taught me once again that sometimes the biggest best adventures are the ones with the least amount of steps. We're embracing the challenge of starting small and learning to enjoy the simple and small stuff.
Whether your hike is literal or metaphorical, I hope you find joy in the simplicity and accessibility of your journey.
For more content exploring your inner and outer world, subscribe to the newsletter and my youtube channel where I get the honor of being your adventure buddy on the hike of life.
