OMG! - Day 1

May 2, 2022
What was that! The day started well. Both of us were up way too early. The excitement got the best of us. Ken and I had a good breakfast at the lodge. We were taken to the parking lot to start at Springer Mt. The shuttle driver, Michelle, was great! We felt ready and were excited to begin our journey. Springer was a mile from the lot… then we hiked the trail back to the lot and continued on.
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=15CM-lOt-HTUvzHbFy5bZk4m2osKwtPVhhttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1SwjG4Czi9MCAin2wTMl_K12FvI7sXnBHhttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1VzolZOMLb4YsM8-gC8Tg8X6R62Qbc3K_
After 2 miles (back to the lot), we stopped for lunch. So far, we have met many charming people on the trail, ages ranging from teens to mid-70s. All of the various physical capabilities. It gave us hope.  
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1C8UnVblzUoNEfdhPqywDjH-6KoD561gehttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1i3wjdNJwtrq6jmBvT1TM1CQWFN6gRahShttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=11P9NmwqS_lYXSeNg1gVD7aHm-hiTXDWbhttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=18WGknXPFsMxQnYswoCD6fLX2rDhSfZ7Ohttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1RuzGzENOMsUcgu8_vz6WFuxIqHkYmheHhttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=14LrxiqGYeLM_mQ9qdJDabUTkmTxTyxaZhttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1gnQ5B6CdPv5FJGVfG5bBacccbqZpyhNNhttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1XGgIDAjWNXlcg4S7M0UOSn6n1crhiGGU
After lunch, we had 6.5 miles to go back on the trail to get to Hawk Mountain campsites. Up and down and down and up… strenuous walk! We stopped when we needed to and were yelling at our bodies that were yelling at us. We kept telling ourselves that whatever goes up must come down!
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1hN7YWwCFRIwO0OXbZkD8TLDsS4tON4uShttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1QLw-FEnBrXU5CvCioSBxEfrnjM1LhmP7https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1V30WAjtvv-mpCIcopYGWXsNhgruSONRXhttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Z6v9qawlv3iP4whnjP7dP3Q3mGNSv4Sj
We are currently enjoying the beautiful scenery and meeting lots of interesting people. The thing I hadn’t shared is that I was diagnosed with a sinus infection and allergy eyes (beginning to get infected) right before we left. Meds are slowly making it better. I’m really having issues breathing, and my hip flexors are screaming at me.
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1C8oL_YI3UFESZQ_SHLScWtgQvmpISNUOIhttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=11SYHdspyDdJuX1ecECJGoJtmA6VuVmlL
We didn’t arrive at Hawk Mountain until 8:25 p.m. and had to walk another 1/2 mile and back to get to a water source. It was getting dark. The camp was set up, and we were in for the night at about 10:15 p.m.
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1Ehgbztl2jriPUuPiowsE5xdY2ZzQs4skhttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1y15AQ4l9Z4HcLmALlEOAI0v4hAVsfNnDhttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1gEa5l69QsdnaP9LA7KecEBQrtMCDOVVh
I hurt! I know very little about the terrain in and around Israel, but I do know that Jesus walked everywhere he went (or possibly rode some places by mule). The modern conveniences of our cars and bikes have made us different people. I can't help but think of Grandma Gatewood, the famous AT hiker who completed the Appalachian Trail in its early years in Ked tennis shoes and a homemade nap sack. 
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ghb2Mz8talSOviPnSEzOyE5nSfsj0rzT
I know I have too much stuff. At this point, I'm not sure if an offload would make a difference. I continue to be reminded of the scripture where Jesus tells us to be prepared and how to be ready. Much of it by offloading the worries of this world. Preparedness happens psychologically, physically, spiritually, and intellectually. One does not supersede the other. 
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1MS_7kxVl9-G1ZlWkNVihPUdZ_55z25BThttps://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1HlLjZuq3wXSJC3ofM8XjLjWiDm7h-ZBE
The trail is challenging, and I am learning more about myself and my capabilities (or lack thereof) which I think is the whole point. The “nature” aspect has been fantastic. Touches of spring and “resurrection” are all around us in the form of new foliage and wildflowers. Ken has been incredible and supportive as he struggles with his own limitations. He has been a great support. I’m down for the count! Goodnight!
https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1MvR9ZsiWSNb40-3xwO4PUfkYZNKVr_Rb
Total Miles for the day: 17.09 (2 extra to Summit Springer and to get water). Total AT miles 7.5 in the same direction (8.5 total)

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This Week!

Weekend in Port Angeles (Turning Point)

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