After a whirlwind few days in Atlanta, through major airports, and the celebration of Christmas we find ourselves amazed at how quickly our lives have changed. Suddenly, the cold feels a lot colder (did I really sleep in it every night?), cars feel too fast, and noises too loud. Our unpacked backpacks sit in our bedroom, a reminder of how little we actually need and picking out clothes in the morning feels like an unnecessary decision. Undoubtedly, we are happy to have a life that does not involve concern over the weather conditions and daily physical fatigue. Simultaneously, my body wakes up wondering what use I can put it to each day and my running shoes will get put to use as soon as I shake the cold I have acquired. I am realizing that our lives will now have a pull between the two worlds we know, the trail life and the other world that is more common.
Despite the sadness that results in the end of such an adventure--and a life really--we feel an immense gratitude for the opportunity not only to hike the trail, but to experience a life of simplicity and one that highlights the best of this country (in contrast to what people and the local news often highlight). For five months, we always had what we needed, never lost our keys, trusted strangers, received unexpected kindness, and developed friendships when we least expected to.
Our friends, and particularly our families, were as necessary as our packs or shoes in all of this. Logistically, they kept us supplied and emotionally, kept us sane in caring for our dogs with great care and affection. We owe endless thanks to those who sent packages, emails, kind words, prayers, and rides--be they strangers or our parents. Thank you!
Final pictures are posted.
North Carolina & Tennessee: http://picasaweb.google.com/emily.dolci/NorthCarolinaTennessee
Georgia: http://picasaweb.google.com/emily.dolci/Georgia
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You just made me cry... the Mooney Gap photo.
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