Mile 164. I'm a real thru-hiker now.

Today is a reminder of the reason I chose to hike all 2200 miles of the Appalachian Trail.

The sun melted off last night’s freeze resulting in a perfect 70-degree blue-sky day.

With the summit of each climb, a slight breeze kissed away my breathless lactic acid.

And I childishly delight in the hip-hopping brought on by centuries of granite breakdown into piles of rubble.

I smile with gratitude.

Thank you, Georgia and North Carolina, for the lessons in strength and agility.

I am transforming before my very eyes.

I am a real thru-hiker now.