Well, I never did manage to post to this blog during our almost 7-month 2015 Appalachian Trail pilgrimage, but at least now I can start from the beginning in recounting parts of our adventure here. In the meantime, below are 4 photos from our more recent forays into the Linville Gorge Wilderness that has eased our transition. It was a delight to discover upon returning home to NC that there was still awesome color in the lower elevations of Linville Gorge, but some of my favorite sights were rain dappled wildflowers. All 4 of the photos in this post were taken from the Pinch-In Trail.
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In between towns I am more likely to be posting updates at https://www.facebook.com/SalixAndSojo
Melanie Childers, my beloved partner, created a wonderful celebration for some of our friends and family to help send us off with a customized Backpack Blessing ceremony which spoke deeply to my own sense of spirituality. I will miss Melanie deeply, but it was such a wonderful experience to have a chance to reaffirm ties within community, and to receive their blessing, and also to know that these people will be around for Melanie to connect with more in my absence. We are so grateful for the loving people in our lives. Along with sharing some powerful readings from others during the ceremony, Melanie also composed the message included below the photo. I'd also like to say a thanks to dear friend Mary McKinney for both photos in this post. Blessing of Cath, Sojo, and Backpacks
Cath and Sojo, As your adventure continues On new and rugged paths May you be open-eyed to the wonders along the route May you be sure-footed even when the ground is slippery and uneven May you be full-hearted to experience the gift of each moment. May you realize the joy of being part of such a magnificent creation. May you respect the powers of the natural world, Be alert to your surroundings Proceed with caution and trust. Rely on your inner wisdom. May your steps be sure and confident, paced and balanced May you step lightly, and may your knees be agile and strong. May your spirits be renewed, replenished, and energized. May you be patient with each other. May clear water be abundant, or at least adequate May your meals be satisfying and nutritious, if not gourmet May the ticks and mosquitos find you unappealing. May the deer and turtles trust you as kindred spirits. May all strangers you meet be gracious and hospitable. May you in turn be gracious to all you meet. All journeys involve hope and fear, laughter and tears. You will likely meet joy and pain, longing and doubt on your path. May you and our world have the freedom to laugh, the courage to cry, The compassion to be open and the faith to believe. May you go in peace, and may peace go in you. All repeat together: May Cath and Sojo be safe. May Cath and Sojo be well. May Cath and Sojo be peaceful. May Cath and Sojo be content. Two Melissa's have played a huge role in our lives - the first being Melissa Gentry at Rescue DOG Sanctuary who first rescued this beautiful pup and cared for her so well, and the second being Melissa MacKinnon at Woof Pack Pet Services who helped us learn how to calm some of Sojo's fears and encourage her to build on her strengths!
Since (hopefully) we will be reaching the notorious painfully-rocky PA stretch of the A.T. this time, I found Sojo a pair of booties - just in case. Well, actually we tried and returned 5 different styles before finding some that are tolerable for her! The only ones she likes - and I use that term rather loosely - are the "Mud Monsters" from Muttluks. In this, she actually walks rather than prances in panic. I am glad to have something we can use to pad her paws, should that prove necessary. Otherwise, "Musher's Secret" paw wax has worked wonders already and will be a staple on our journey. By the way, a bonus of her "Groundbird Gear" (detachable) Trekking Pack is this red harness that also works well in the car to help keep her semi-restrained without a kennel, via a swivel / carabiner link to the seatbelt. I do so appreciate multi-purpose gear!
As I get ready to return 21 years later to the Appalachian Trail journey I left off at age 21, I searched for a photo of Sam who was one of the most incredible beings I have ever known. This is from our 1994 AT trek. He was another shelter jewel, with an old-soul personality and a depth of love that never ceased to amaze me. While they are very different creatures, I sense a similar bond developing already with Sojourner as we prepare for our own long trek in 2015. There appears to be no end to the details to consider when planning such a trek, and it's easy for me to let my anxiety take over especially while reading well intended resources that insinuate that there is only one right way to do things which is invariably expensive. And that while not every eventuality can be planned for, they really ought to be. But that is rather similar to other arenas of life, isn't it? So when all else fails, we go out and walk.
I feel so fortunate that Melanie has developed a new interest in and expertise with food dehydration! While the fruits were pretty sure bets, we've tasted with delight her new quick-to-cook light-weight rendition of black beans with rice and tomatoes. Another big hit is the pumpkin-pie style sweet potato "bark". Looking forward to trailside meals!
While Sojo has become the star of our trekking team, little Luna has been helping Melanie with lots of behind the scenes dehydrating of trail food. We are very grateful for their help!
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Cath Hopkins on
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