Time always slips away when the timing of one’s goal is pretty indeterminate. My last entry was in September 2019 ruminating on the relatively few hiking opportunities of the past year. One phrase now seems quite predictive: “So much can happen in six to seven more years. A lot of potentially negative things, especially health-wise.” While the COVID-19 crisis has not affected my personal health, it certainly has had a negative impact on everything. Of course, that is no reason to not keep up with a journal. Certainly, my thoughts have still been consistently wandering to the idea of an eventual thru-hike. But with very little hiking activity since that September post, there hasn’t been a lot to write about that wasn’t just wistful rambling. So, what is worth mentioning? Well, in October, I discovered a decent practice trail very close to my house, which is a bit difficult since I live right on the Chesapeake Bay. The trail is in The Glendening Nature Preserve that overlooks the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary; so, the trail is through a wooded area with a few terrain features. The perimeter trial is even called the Cliff Trail; although, that’s somewhat of a euphemism. Nevertheless, it’s a good 3-mile loop for stretching one’s legs on a day when there isn’t much time to head west to the mountains. There are also several trails that crisscross the preserve, allowing for some daily variety or even extending the hike if you do not mind repeating some stretches during the same hike. I also have had time to think about a Maryland AT section hike and I have discussed a family hiking/camping trip this summer (if we get the chance given restrictions) with my wife. This will be along the AT in Maryland and will give me a chance to share that experience with her and with other members of the family, including our grandson. More about that when the time comes. In that September 2019 post, I mentioned reviewing my gear list. That pretty much became the focus of my off-season. I validated a lot of my clothing gear list. I refined my first aid kit, took kit, and essentials. I also ended up purchasing several new items; the end-of-season sales and online sales associated with the mandatory closing of brick-and-mortar stores like REI were irresistible. I picked up two of the Big Three: a new pack and a new sleeping bag. I will put more about those on the gear page. I also picked up two items from my thru-hike wish list: an REI Down Jacket 2.0 and a MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove Kit; both at greatly discounted prices. So, that’s about it to get the journal rolling again. Summer is coming; we can go hiking again (in fact, I already hit the nature preserve trail again yesterday). There are still a lot of uncertainties, but for now I am lucky that I wasn’t one of those that had their thru-hike dream shattered this year. While the future and date remain unclear, the dream remains in focus. And it appears to be a long Appears to be a long Appears to be a long time Yes, a long, long, long, long time before the dawn David Crosby, CSN 1969
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Quiet Man
I don't have a bucket list. At 61 years old, I have already had the adventures of a lifetime, especially after a 30-year Army career, five years of teaching high school, and a 37 year marriage still going strong. But I still have this deep desire to complete the Appalachian Trial. Archives
February 2022
Categories |