More than once I have sat down with the intention of "completing" this blog - wrapping up my adventure with a pretty bow and putting it away, checking this particular box off of my list. But for so many reasons, this adventure is not over and in many ways will never be over. How foolish of me, to think that I could simply walk away from this and go on with life as it was before I became a badass trail-hiking, moose-fighting, tick-destroying, mountain-crushing, excessively tough (and maybe even a little obnoxious at times) bitch.
But the most pressing matter at hand is the fact that, though in my mind I am so thrilled with what I have achieved over the past 6 months, I cannot shake the fact that I am unfinished. There is still untouched ground for me to cover on the Appalachian Trail that, until I have traversed those last 200 miles and walked, not drove, into Damascus, VA I will not be able to, in good conscious, send in my application for my 2,000-miler certificate. I have yet to see the beauty of the Grayson Highlands, have yet to complete the Shenandoahs. Have yet to truly hit the 2,000 mile marker.
So I'm going back, friends, next May to complete my hike and end with one glorious stroll into Damascus, VA for one final time, this time on foot, and just in time for Trail Days. I can't wait to see you all there - beers and karaoke at The Blue Blaze anyone? My treat.
