Last day on the trail.

Backrow L to R: Tai Rousten, Bill Howard

Frontrow L to R: John Stevens Jr., Carl M. Chapman, and I

The leaves rustle underneath my feet as I walk down the Appalachian Trail for the last time. The sun comes to see us for a bit and the temperature plummeted, but I believe it’s because the mountains are sad to see us go.

I have experienced a taste of what those call the backcountry and backpacking. I have met very interesting people along the way that makes me believe that this was a taste.

Bob Proudman of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, our final presenter on the trail, spoke of his experiences with the wilderness when he was a mountaineer. One climbing trip in particular turned tragic for him as Mother Nature unleashed her fury upon the 6 person crew with 80 mph winds, death defying temperatures, and lighting. Lets just say his story made our complaints of being cold and wet insignificant.

Above: Bob Proudman of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Proudman also spoke of what is being done with the Appalachian Trail and how we could help. Many clubs along the AT are seeking volunteers to help with trail maintenance and restoration. The volunteers are paid with a place to stay and food while they work. I don’t see that as a bad exchange for helping preserve our vein to the heart of Shenandoah Valley.

Our final day on the trail, we awoke to snow on the ground and on our tents. The previous day we had hiked a strenuous 13 miles to Calf Mountain. I now know why they named the mountain Calf Mountain, and it’s not because of the animal.

Above L to R: Carl M. Chapman, myself, and John Stevens, Jr. Above: My tent right after I woke up at Calf Mountain.

The last couple days we had been slogging through fog and rain, so snow was a nice change of scenery for a bit as we came upon our final overlook. The snowflakes clenched to the surrounding forest and trees but not to the trail. I will miss the trail life.

Personally, I loved every minute of the hiking experience even though the 13 miler was brutal, slogging was miserable, and being among the human stench pummeled up as the days went on. There is a Greek Proverb that says, “He who suffers much knows much.” I feel we try to avoid being miserable that we miss out on the experience of misery and suffering.

It’s a crazy concept, but why work so hard on avoiding misery when all you could do is just let life happen? You could spend those countless hours experiencing more important things more dear to you; like your family, friends and the wilderness. Plus side, it’s less stressful.

Lately the trail experience plays over in my mind continuously. The leaves changing, the animals rushing along and the insects scurrying to get prepared for winter. Experiences with the Ecoventure team and presenters, as well as the views will forever be encased within my memory. But, I’m still not completely out of the woods.

Above: Myself, Carl Chapman and John Stevens Jr., posing for George Patterson.

My mind being still on the trail, I can’t stop comparing life to it. We are all on the same trail called life. We may take a side trail or two, but most of us get back on the trail and follow it to the unknown future. No one knows what is around the next bend or what he or she will encounter at the next hut or overlook.

As the river days approach I expect the experience to be similar to the trail. Days will be long, lectures will enlighten, and more interesting stories to share.

We may not know what is around the next bend, but Shenandoah Ecoventurers are ready to keep paddling.