April 9, 2006
Danielle:
There’s something about this time of year… Springer Fever, they call it. And it’s true. We’ve spent a lot of time these past few weeks thinking about the AT, our friends and our adventure. We’re envious of those who are just starting their journey this year, who have so many miles, so many friendships, a lot of sore muscles and emotions ahead of them on the trail. We miss it. A lot.
But here we are, back in the “real world.” And we’re happy here in Maine. Happy with our jobs, and to be on the coast. Yet still, we both can’t help but have our thoughts turn to the trail, especially now, in early spring, thinking about where we were last year on this day and that. I guess this is why so many people say long distance hiking is an addiction. The trail really becomes a part of you, and you want to go back.
Well, we still have 600+ miles of the trail left before us. I had hoped we would get out there starting this month—and surprise, surprise, had come up with all sorts of plans to see how we could get the miles in this year—, but I guess it’s just not to be. Ryan is still recovering. His back and feet are better, but his knees are still bothering him. He’s working hard on it though, so we should be back hiking soon. It might not be until later this summer, but don’t give up hope on us yet :-) The trail calls, and we’ll be out there with our backpacks, following the white blazes and ticking off the miles north before we know it!
