My friend Melody and I just finished our 2nd hike on the Appalachian Trail!
4 days, 3 nights, 37 miles, each with 37-pound backpacks; We hit the trail at Trout Creek, Va and staggered off 4 days later near Daleville, Va. We scaled Virginia’s triple crown-“Dragon’s Tooth,” “McAfee Knob,” and “Tinker Cliffs.” Even my “Tarheel blood” has to admit that Virginia is one of the most beautiful states in the nation.
Several have asked:
“Why in the world do you do this?” (Translate: Are you crazy?)
We are a little crazy. But there’s something about pushing your body to its very limits. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done physically. But one of the most re-freshing things I’ve ever done emotionally. When you are on the trail it’s like you are lost in another world- cut off from life’s worries, lists, projects. You have no time to think about anyone or anything except putting one foot in front of the other. And that is refreshing.
“What are your favorite things about the AT?”
Being quiet in God’s nature is at the top of my list.
This year our theme verse was from Pslam 111:2.
“Great are the works of the Lord, they are pondered by all who delight in them.”
We wanted to ponder what we were seeing in creation and specifically look for metaphors. A large uprooted tree with weak roots spoke of the need to sink deep roots of faith in our lives in order that we might not be toppled over by the whims of culture. The delicate art in the flower of a mountain laurel (calico bush) spoke of the whimsical nature of God’s artistry. Why the pink lines? I think God just wanted to have fun. Everything doesn’t have to have a serious purpose. It makes me want to be more whimsical.
The people you meet on the trail.
These are the best folks ever. Helpful, kind, and willing to share. On the trail we feel completely safe. We all have trail names. I’m “Trailblazer” and Melody is “Deep Roots.” (We named each other last year.) Along the way you meet up with the same people: rich, poor, black, white, corporate, blue collar, no collar-no one cares. We are all equal, sharing the same adventure. It is not a stroll-it’s up and down and up and down all over again. Hard, sweaty work. Yes we’re all a little bit “weird.”
“What are special memories from this year?”
Waking up to the birds singing praises to God and going to sleep to the robins’ bedtime concert. Pitching our tent by a stream-the perfect sound machine. Sharing Lectio Divina in the evening. Cooking on our tiny stove (3 ounces) and filtering water from the creek to drink. (This did get old.) And then those times we said, “I’m not having fun right now.” Almost stepping on a huge black snake. He jumped one way-I the other! Falling down 3 times – I still haven’t conquered the backpack balance. Becoming dehydrated. Excruciating muscle pain in my calves and glutes-4 days after the hike!
And yes, we’ll do it again…just not next week.
After all I am 71!
Read about my first hike HERE
Teresa Glenn says
You’re so fun!! Way to go!
Erin says
Susan, here’s what comes to mind: “…lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2) Your energy and drive inspires me to press forward. Congrats on finishing this adventure well!
Liz Connors says
LOVE this! Stretching your bodies to their limits while joining all creation in worship!
Susan Yates says
Thanks Liz!
You bless me and I”m thankful for you!
Susan
Nancy Deiss says
You are amazing, Susan!!! It sounds like this year was a super joyful time for you and Melody both!! You are an inspiration to us all–especially those of us of a “certain age.” Blessings, Nancy
Susan Yates says
Thanks Nancy!!
You are really amazing…We love you two!
Susan
Esther says
Susan – you are truly are a Trailblazer! Inspiring so many of us women to stretch ourselves and Know the Lord in the splendor of his holiness!!
Susan Yates says
Thanks dear friend. YOU blaze trails for me!
Tori says
Trailblazer indeed!!! You have been a trailblazer in so many ways for many of us — wonderful to read of your adventure!!
Susan Yates says
Tori,
Thanks so much for reading and commenting. That means a lot!
Susan
Nancy Potts says
This makes my heart smile!
Susan Yates says
Thanks Nancy! He loves it when our hearts smile:)
Susan
Lynda and Johnny McConnell says
Way to go Susan. You are an inspiration for us
Susan Yates says
Ya’ll inspire us!!!!
We love your family.
Hugs, Susan
Peggy Aderton says
Thank you for sharing how God met you at every corner! It brings back memories and inspires me (and many others) to get out and see all of God’s creation and hear His voice in the beauty. Tinker Mountain is familiar as many years ago, I was a trail hike leader for the Girl Scout camp where I worked. We would sit atop the cliff and look at the lights of Roanoke in the evening. They didn’t quite compare with the magnificent stars above.
Admiration and thanksgiving for your willingness to go beyond the comfortable and explore beyond the seen. Adventuring for God!
Susan Yates says
Peggy,
Thanks so much. So glad you loved Tinker! It was my favorite!
Hugs, Susan
Carol says
Wow!! Susan, you are an inspiration on and off the trail!!
Susan Yates says
Thanks Carol for writing! God is good.
Blessings, Susan
Jeanne says
I LOVE this!! you inspire me, Susan :). I enjoyed these same experiences last year in the Cotswolds with Penelope and Kris Packard and others. Hasn’t God made a lovely lovely world!
Susan Yates says
Jeanne,
Thanks so much! Yes a lovely world!!
love, susan
Jody R says
WOW! and Yay! Thank you for being such an inspiration Susan! I love your tenancity and courage. And that of your good “Deep Roots” friend beside you. I just got back from a wonderful week in Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park where I was in COMPLETE AWE of God and HIS creation and Majesty!! I appreciate all the real, honest, sometimes mundane, sometimes heart wrenching words you share with all of us! God Bless you and your precious, ever expanding family!!
Susan Yates says
Thanks Jody! I would love to have joined you in Bryce and Zion!
Blessings, Susan
Lesley Hackman says
What a great adventure !! … and so appreciate that you both purposefully sought the love-messages that God offers us so freely through His creative wonders. ( That calico bush is amazing!) Your story was also an encouragement for me to get back out there and hike new vistas. Blessings on every one of your muscles!!!
Susan Yates says
Thanks Leslie!!
You are dear to write.
Love, Susan
Heidi says
Trailblazer!!! WAY TO GO!!!! I’m so proud of you. You are LIVING and it reminds me to do the same. Love you so much.
Susan Yates says
I LOVE You girl. Happy almost birthday!!
Thanks for reading my stuff!
Kim Doerr says
So inspired by you Trailblazer (& Deep Roots). Blaze on! XO
Susan Yates says
Kim, Where are you? Let me know what’s up! Missing you!
Hugs, Susan
Penelope Swithinbank says
GO SUSAN! What an amazing feat for your feet.
Come to Italy with us next year?? xx
Susan Yates says
Wish we could come to Italy!!! Happy anniversary!!!
Hugs, Susan
Susy says
Love this! What wonders to be found when we take the road less travelled!
Susan Yates says
I love you sweet daughter!
Ann Holladay says
Proud of you! There truly is nothing more healing than being in God’s beautiful creation and what it says about Him( love the root photo!) I would challenge your loyalties as a Tarheels, however!!!!?
Susan Yates says
Thanks sweet friend. I love you!!!
Jodie Berndt says
WAY TO GO!!
Susan Yates says
Wish you had been with us!!!
Mary Jennings says
I know this feeling. Thank you for sharing your sweet and sweaty journey with us. I am a trail-lover myself. Our whole family did a large and highly risky trail (Kalalau) in Kauai, HI last summer and I have been missing it ever since we got back. (yes, water purification is so blah)
I want to walk a part of the Appalachian this Summer. I would love to get your take on a good first portion.
So much love and respect for you, Trailblazer!
Susan Yates says
I love you Mary! We’ll talk trail possibilities!
You go girl!
Susan
Carolyn Wayland says
So proud of you, what an inspiration is our God!
Susan Yates says
Carolyn,
Thanks so much!!! You are a great cheerleader!
Blessings, Susan
Louise van der Meulen says
You are such an inspiration to me, Susan! I praise God for women of faith like you.Thank you for sharing that story. May our Father bless you with every good thing which comes from Him.
Susan Yates says
Louise,
Thanks so much for this sweet note!
You bless me.
Love, Susan