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SALT: Part One
26 Jun 2018
Southern Appalachian Loop Trail
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I first heard about the SALT last year, during a 5,000 mile bike tour across the country with Packing It Out. Riding along the Blue Ridge Parkway, I saw a lone hiker walking the shoulder of the BRP. He had the familiar look of a thru…
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April Sunday
18 Apr 2018
April Sundays
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I focus on and appreciate the delicate warmth of my down filled quilt as I slowly open my eyes. The pale light illuminating me and my bed is neither warm nor cold - the glow remains neutral. Opening my eyes again, I stretch my jaw to yawn. My…
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Wayah Sunrise
05 Apr 2018
Nantahala National Forest_Clear/ Cold_AM
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I grabbed my gear from the blue green cabinet next to my bed. The house was dark and quiet as I slipped out the back door. Coffee in hand, I wandered across the rock driveway, my blue minivan came into view. Seconds later, my trusty old…
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Dawn Patrol…
22 Mar 2018
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Waking to a dark room, I positioned my head near the window. Did the snow stop? Would it be a clear morning? If it was clear, I would be off to sunrise. If it was socked in, it would be a bit more challenging to find my morning motivation. Twinkling…
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Winter returns…
22 Mar 2018
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Stepping onto the trail, I heard the wind moan in the distance. The white blazes I followed south blended into the pale landscape. I plowed through the accumulation with a new spring zest. Winter had returned for one last hooray.
Feeling warm - I readjusted my face cover and kept…
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A Nantahala morning…
19 Mar 2018
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Nantahala National Forest___Cool/ Overcast___3:23PM
Looking out the kitchen window, hints of deep blue peered through the overcast skies. Sunrise was in 30 minutes. Rain was in the forecast. I decided to go for it - I decided to chase the light.
Parked at the trailhead, I hurried up the trail…
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Back in the woods…
14 Mar 2018
Nantahala National Forest___Cold/Light Snow___10:25AM
I stepped out into the cold air, closing the car door behind me. Looking up, the mature trees stared down at me with the same indifference as that first time I visited them years ago. Bringing my eyes down, I focused my attention on the worn…
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Down the mountain…
12 Mar 2018
Nantahala National Forest___Overcast/Cool___6:22PM
I rested patiently on Cliff Tops, waiting for the morning sun to spread it’s light across Sugarland Moutain. I was the only one there - not even the red fox wanted to break fresh trail toward the rocky ledge that I know stood. My face felt stiff…
