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| Joel Barks on the trail |
A couple of years ago a friend asked
me if I wanted to try backpacking. Fortunately I ignored all my
trepidations and said yes because it has become a joy to be involved with
hiking, backpacking and trail work. I find I meet the greatest folks
through these activities and would not be having nearly the joy in my life
otherwise.
We took a five night, six day, 70 mile
backpacking trip on a portion of the Appalachian Trail in southwestern Virginia. This
had us ending out hike in Damascus “Trail Town USA” when they were having their
annual trail days celebration. Five thousand backpackers in one place is
no way to avoid a good time.
What I took away from the trip is
the realization that we don’t need much to really have a good time if we are
with good people and most especially if we can see vistas like what is
available from the high points on the trail.
As I write this I am stopped for
coffee on my way back to the AT. Not a long trip at all this time, just
trying to encourage a family member to start backpacking by coordinating a
three day high for us on the AT near Asheville, N.C.
Hike your own Hike! --JB
Trail crewmembers have some extraordinary adventures when not using the Pulaski and MacLeod.
