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I’d like to introduce you to Craig and his greatest support person, Bonnie. Craig retired about a year ago and set himself the challenge of hiking the Appalachian Trail… some of you may have seen the movie ‘A Walk in the Woods’? Here’s the real version! Whether we are transitioning from one Life Stage to another or just needing a challenge to enable us to get back on track…whatever the context, here’s a story which will get you thinking about your Attitude and how to increase the Altitude! Thanks, Craig!
“I am passing through Caratunk, Maine and picking up a food dropbox Bonnie sent for me to the post office. About 140 miles more to go to complete this 800 mile section hike. The next town I hit will be Monson which is the last supply point before the beginning the 100 mile wilderness (no services). Getting close to Katahdin!
For the most part, the weather has been good. Over the last several weeks the temperatures have been mild for summertime with only periodic rain but during the past week the temperatures have risen and the humidity has been high. The rains are refreshing. If I am wet from sweat, I might as well be refreshingly wet.
The trail was extremely difficult for most of New Hampshire and the early part of Maine. I was ready to call it quits a dozen times but with some rest, food and water I was ready to go again every morning. As great a physical challenge the Appalachian Trail (AT) is, so is the mental challenge.
I am working hard to arrive at Mt. Katahdin by August 24 so that I can climb the mountain with a fellow hiker from Cleveland and then join him on the drive back home. Would make for a nice finish to this adventure.
At the terminus of the northern end of the 2,190 mile Appalachian Trail is the highest point in Maine – Mt.Katahdin. For the past week, I have been getting peeks at the mountain. She gets closer and bigger every day. On Friday, I hope to summit. Weather forecast says clear skies. How fortunate it would be to experience the vastness of that view.
I feel ecstatic to have made the journey I set out to do on June 19. I will need to return to complete a few pieces of the trail that I chose to forego because of any one of many conditions that arose since my heading east on a train to the Hudson River. These tended to be the likes of weariness, exhaustion, pain, hunger, severe weather, wanting more comforts, or just wanting to linger longer somewhere special. I suppose I could have chosen to always pick up where I last left off but for me it feels better when I keep going forward.
The daily physical effort and mental focus needed to cross the rugged distance has been an enormous challenge. In the beginning, my mind and body were not prepared for the rigors of the trail. But in time, a rhythm appears, the mind and body strengthen and the pace at which you hike grows stronger. I am humbled by those who have thru-hiked every inch of this trail. I bow to those who over many years have section by section hiked most or all the path. As for my missed pieces, Bonnie and I will be back this way with our motorhome and I plan to get those miles done.
After all this effort, I have come to ask myself if the walk was worth it. Only one answer comes to mind, “Yes!” It goes back to the reason I started this endeavor in the first place. I was seeking an experience to help me transition from the past few decades of a working man’s life to a new chapter in my life. Bonnie and I have retired, the kids are grown – off on their own, the house has been sold, we have downsized our belongings, and we are becoming mobile.
This transition does not come without difficulty. It can be hard letting go of one’s comforts and the security that comes from routine and familiarity. But I am now ready more than ever to move forward with our next 40 years.
Soon I will be back with my Bonnie and together, just as two young adventurous adults did on that cold wintery day in January 1979, we will once again set off on a journey not knowing where it may lead or what may happen, but knowing this time we will be doing it together for the rest of our lives.
I am sending this “kinda” last email about my AT journey today because my “real” last one will be short. Thanks for listening, and thanks for all the words of support and encouragement. It was a big help. The last email will be later this week when I hope to report that I made it to the top of Katahdin.
Craig”
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Out of the Rut brings together Coaching, Mentoring and Creative Thinking. We provide practical tools, down-to-earth solutions and easy techniques to enable people to realise their potential and be accountable to themselves and each other.
Contact Jane on 021-732 230, or by email: jane@outoftherut.co.nz and there’s more on the website: www.outoftherut.co.nz
