Another month goes by without a peep from me. On the blog anyway. But that's not to say that I haven't been thinking a lot - and having a lot of experiences worth writing about.
I took a short vacation last week to visit with my little brother David, who is spending his spring through-hiking the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine, over 2,100 miles. Shout out: Read more at davidshike.com Another way to say that: 82 marathons. In a row. On freeze-dried foods and overnight rests in a tent or shelter. I took the overnight train from Chicago and stepped off onto the platform at Harper's Ferry, WV, a world away from my life in Madison, on the banks of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. I had on a backpack, and didn't need anything more. I stood for several minutes and looked out at the river, and watched the train pull away, in no rush to do anything at all, before turning toward town to see my brother coming around the corner. He had traveled about 250 miles farther than me to get to that train station, in about two months, on foot. He also had on a backpack - which contained his food, stove, shelter, and clothing.
We spent three days hiking together: 18, 16, and 14 miles. Admittedly, our parents met up with us and helped haul the bags from point A to B so that David could have a well-deserved lighter load for a few days, and so rookie-hiker Dano could keep up with David. I consider myself in good shape to travel on foot, but was exhausted from 7 hours of walking each day. It was likely 7 hours because of all the photo opportunities I took along the way - but David was a good sport about it. The wilderness is lovely, the trail underfoot well-marked but by no means smooth. The route follows ridgelines... down into valleys and back up again, over and over. The trees were flowering and beginning to bud, and although we were soaked through, there was no snow in sight. We didn't necessarily talk a whole lot, but it was probably a lot more than he usually says to anyone on any given day, and I certainly learned a lot about the experience he's having. It's tough. It's bone fide. I have huge admiration for what he is accomplishing - every day as I work, read, write, train, sleep... he's out on the trail, making his way to Maine. Godspeed, Brother.
I flew home early Friday morning, and put in nearly a full day of work at the office before going home, taking a hot shower, and getting into bed early. Even with the heat off, the house was 60 degrees, and everything was dry. The fridge and the pantry were full, the router blinking. There were 1700 square feet of luxuries that somehow all seemed a little less relevant after a long walk in the woods.
Here's a little video I made to honor the midpoint of my brother's journey:
I took a short vacation last week to visit with my little brother David, who is spending his spring through-hiking the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine, over 2,100 miles. Shout out: Read more at davidshike.com Another way to say that: 82 marathons. In a row. On freeze-dried foods and overnight rests in a tent or shelter. I took the overnight train from Chicago and stepped off onto the platform at Harper's Ferry, WV, a world away from my life in Madison, on the banks of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. I had on a backpack, and didn't need anything more. I stood for several minutes and looked out at the river, and watched the train pull away, in no rush to do anything at all, before turning toward town to see my brother coming around the corner. He had traveled about 250 miles farther than me to get to that train station, in about two months, on foot. He also had on a backpack - which contained his food, stove, shelter, and clothing.
We spent three days hiking together: 18, 16, and 14 miles. Admittedly, our parents met up with us and helped haul the bags from point A to B so that David could have a well-deserved lighter load for a few days, and so rookie-hiker Dano could keep up with David. I consider myself in good shape to travel on foot, but was exhausted from 7 hours of walking each day. It was likely 7 hours because of all the photo opportunities I took along the way - but David was a good sport about it. The wilderness is lovely, the trail underfoot well-marked but by no means smooth. The route follows ridgelines... down into valleys and back up again, over and over. The trees were flowering and beginning to bud, and although we were soaked through, there was no snow in sight. We didn't necessarily talk a whole lot, but it was probably a lot more than he usually says to anyone on any given day, and I certainly learned a lot about the experience he's having. It's tough. It's bone fide. I have huge admiration for what he is accomplishing - every day as I work, read, write, train, sleep... he's out on the trail, making his way to Maine. Godspeed, Brother.
I flew home early Friday morning, and put in nearly a full day of work at the office before going home, taking a hot shower, and getting into bed early. Even with the heat off, the house was 60 degrees, and everything was dry. The fridge and the pantry were full, the router blinking. There were 1700 square feet of luxuries that somehow all seemed a little less relevant after a long walk in the woods.
Here's a little video I made to honor the midpoint of my brother's journey:
:) taking a step back from urbanization/civilization is always refreshing. glad to hear your trip and hike were well spent.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing journey David is taking! Surely a hike of a lifetime. Memories of traveling the trails with his brother will only make it that much more special.
ReplyDeleteI posted a comment but then blogger freaked out on me . Sorrynif this posts twice!
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible journey David making! Times like this not only broaden your horizon, but become an intrinsic part of your soul. So glad you were able to hike with him for a few days.
very cool video, dano! it's great that you got a chance to get away.so jealous =)
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