Mile 257. Traveling through time.

Each mountain on the Appalachian Trail is like traveling through time. One day, I suffer in the clutches of winter. The next morning, I relish the perfection of a late spring. By mid-morning, I’m in an arid field burnt with sun. And by evening, I am in a jungle surrounded by wild magnolias. These different ecosystems tantalize my senses and keeps me engaged in the here and now.

Today’s hike featured 5200 feet of climbing over 15 miles. My last tip-toe climb out of Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) had me shocked at the difficulty. Now, I take these tip-toe climbs as just another day at work. This is the Appalachian Trail. This is what I have signed up for.

This morning, I chose to absorb into my soul the beauty of my surroundings. The delicate wildflowers and new spring leaves dance to the whisper of the wind through the trees. The creek babbles and gurgles through the branches below. And the birds chirp their approval of the scene laid out before them.

My favorite bird sound is the grouse. He starts his mating call with a single hollow thump. My ears perk up. Thump. There it is again. Is it my heart? Thump. Thump. Thump. And then he speeds up: ThumpThumpThumpThumpThump. His spell has worked. I’m in love. And I yearn to hear more.

Every moment on this journey is different. I am an eager student, taking in all of its teachings. Every part of me feels alive. And grateful.