8/2/12 – 1528 Miles
There was a group of inter-city kids camping at the shelter last night so I pitched my tent in some hemlock trees way off by myself. I had plenty of privacy, but in the morning the mosquitos were out in droves. I packed up and quickly headed out with intentions of stopping later for breakfast.
The trail made a gentle climb to the top of Mt Bushnell where the view was awesome. It was like being in an airplane above the clouds. For miles in each direction, all the landscape was a sea of cottony white. I think it is the first time I’ve seen a view like that on my hike.
Kleenex caught me soon after I descended the mountain and we had a snack near Shay’s Monument. I could tell that she has been withdrawn and quiet the last few days and I’ve tried to give her as much space as I could. Those of you reading her blog know how much she misses her family and friends, combine with that the constant physical toll the trail takes on your body for four months, and you have a recipe for some sad moments.
Two things I try never to discus on the trail are politics and religion. The younger generation of hikers out here are mostly involved with a party atmosphere of drinking and marijuana. There are some that do not but they are few and far between. It has to be somewhat discouraging to meet hundreds of guys on the trail and know that none of them share your morals.
But the time has come for us to split up. I love the time we’ve hiked together, she has been my best friend, she has been like one of my daughters.
She told me today that she needs some space and wants to hike alone for awhile. It goes back to the saying, “Hike your own hike.” It’s sometimes hard to balance the trials of the trail and a relationship with another person, no matter what that relationship may be.
And so today Kleenex is zeroing with her sister in Great Barrington and I will move on up the trail. I’m sure I will see her again – the AT has a way of bringing friends back together. And although I will miss her, I’m sure it will be good for me, too.
I’m excited to have Daryl coming to join me in a couple of weeks. He will get a taste of what this journey is like. I’m hoping for good weather and no blisters for his trek.
I’m glad that you’ve been able to find someone that you enjoy spending time with during this incredible journey you are on. The hard thing about friendships is that they have a way of changing and evolving as life moves forward. As you said…I’m sure your paths will cross again. Just keep focused on how much fun it will be whipping your younger brother (and my uncle) Daryl’s butt in the white mountains. He said the only way I would be able to borrow his Volt when I come to Phoenix in September is if he doesn’t make it back from the AT. I’m counting on you dad. Love to you!!
At least you can keep up with Kleenex’s continuing adventure through her blog. You’ve made a life long friend even if you spend time apart. Remember our ~40 years.
Dale, can you add a search box to this? It should be in the options or widgets. I wanted to find Kleenex’s blog link but it’s a bit harder without search.
Here you go, Don:
http://atforslcc.wordpress.com/
I checked out Kleenex’s blog and came across a photo she posted of you and her. I gotta say, Nice Beard!