Frigid Nights of a Virginia "Spring"

So, the cold rain & snow was supposed to cease by now, right?

I mean, I chose to leave in APRIL from GEORGIA for a reason, yes? 

As our merciless pepperings of mother nature warm-day teasings continue, I began to get a bit unsettled about my lack of cold weather preparation...I even added "make sure I have enough warm clothes" to my to-do list. 

And...how? 

I reckoned it'd be prudent to set up the old Princess Birthday Tent in my backyard on Sunday and sleep out in it in what warm gear I have--and yes, 20 minutes after I had it pitched the sheets of icy rain which soon turned to fluffy ant-sized mattresses of snow commenced, and I must say I was overjoyed, because what better conditions could there be to test my gear than the most adverse I could conveniently find? 

With droves of optimism, I put on my wool, had one last dance with the iPod, and snuggled into my sleeping bag. It was cold at first....but manageable, and after some time, I drifted off to sleep.

Until some unknown amount of time later where a shiver, like a lightning bolt, flew through my body, feet to head, and jolted me awake. I had never been so shaken by a shiver. And then the anguish began to set in. I suddenly realized I'd need warmer things, and I easily forgot that my bed was just 20 paces away. I tried, friends, tried so hard to get warm again, I squirmed and buckled, but in the end, I dejectedly slipped on my boots and trudged inside. 

Awaking I was gripped with fear. Fear of failure. Fear of loneliness. Fear of misery and regret.   

And you know, that's just how these things go. Shit, that's how life goes. Reluctance and fear always manage to chisel their way even into the most seemingly safe and sound choices. So, you know, I think I am where I need to be, and I feel especially grateful for the people in my life who remind me of that when I so easily forget. 

Yeah, and then I bought $200 worth  of warmth things, and I ain't scared no more--I'm gonna go hike this motherfucker. 

Anticipation

Folks, 5 days lie between me and the mountains of Georgia, the origin of my 6-month walk up the Eastern United States. 

I am very emotional--filled mainly with excitement--excitement to try something new, get to know myself better, free myself of worldly possessions, roll and ramble in the hills....
 --and also small anxieties, manifested in occasional nightmares about thunderstorms and hitchiking....

And you know, I will miss home, all of my homes, and all of you, my people, dearly. But mainly, I am poised for this opportunity to love myself and be grateful for my world just a little bit more. 

Stay tuned--tales of backcountry hiking to follow. 

--Bootless, GA-->ME 2013 

PS--I WANT YOU TO COME AND JOIN ME FOR ANY INCREMENT OF TIME! So if you're into it, let me know, and we will hike together for a bit. Anywhere between Georgia and Maine works. Peace!