A new year. This year will be my 70th year on this Earth in this life. My body knows it. I have pains in places I did not know could hurt. But, it is fun to be alive, even if it is a grind sometimes.
I have been getting dreams lately, dreams of the Appalachian Trail. I have lived near it, have even hiked bits of it in the Smokies, but I dream of trail shelters, the trail itself, and hiking. I know absolutely I will never be able to "through hike", but there is the dream. Of course, since I have this compulsion, almost a "geas", this drive to go on the trail, I have started to mentally prepare. I do not grab something to help me out of the bed, propelling myself now with my legs. I do not complain quite so much when my feet hurt, but carry on as best I can. It is almost as though I am training for hiking. I even try and take Beau on longer walks.
I have no idea how I will be able to do this; due to an Aortic Dissection, I am unable to carry much, only a few pounds. I have thought of a goat or a Llama, but that is just a thought. Something to carry gear and food, and give me a pull on steeper grades.
Hopefully, there may be a way, posting on Patreon and GoFundMe, but we will see. It is the middle of Winter here, and not really hiking season.
Just letting the world know what I am thinking about.
