Although cloudy today, the colors were spectacular.
Yellow grape leaves cascade over maples.
It was a super busy day as I prepared to lead the discussion at book club for Wild and to take care of a million details before our trip. I might as well have worked on the video instead. The discussion was a let down, again, perhaps because they had such a hard time identifying with Cheryl. They could not understand why she would undertake a solo trip on the Pacific Crest Trail. The distance, the obstacles, the pain, loneliness and fear. They didn't believe she would keep walking when her feet were mutilated or when the pack was so heavy she couldn't even lift it. And they judged her because of her personal failings before the trek.
I calculated that I have backpacked about 1400 miles over my career of 28 years. Of course, my pack only weights 25-30 pounds and we only backpack 50 miles per year. Still, I get the desire to test yourself, to overcome exhaustion and pain to reach a goal. To be in the woods and revel in nature's delights. It's exhilarating and life-affirming.
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