After an epic week packed with hiking, climbing, swimming in fresh water and the swimming pool at my sisters. We were running all over hell’s half acre, exploring the hills of Appalachia. Today was a day for much-needed rest. I slept all night long and then slept in until after my sister got off work. She worked the 9 AM to 5 PM shift (yuck). I had the place all to myself during that time.
Even though I planned to go rock hounding, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it alone. It wasn’t that I was confused about which trail to take. I had that mapped out, but, the real problem was what happens after the trail ends. Once I got off the trail, there would be no service for my GPS. I’ve already experienced that all week. The idea of wandering through those hills, and getting lost, was honestly scary. Since at least my sister knew how to get us back towards her house and service to load the map.
I mean, what if I took a wrong turn in the woods and got kidnapped by feral mountain creatures? Or worse… what if I found myself stuck in some endless loop of forest and couldn’t find my car? If I managed to get to my car, would I remember the way back to the apartment? I know I can’t navigate without GPS? Yeah, my mind goes there.
I stayed put. I didn’t want to leave my sister’s door unlocked while she was at work. Also, I wasn’t about to wander around the woods with zero signal or company. The spots we saved on the map will still be there next time. Then I won’t be alone and she can come with me.
Honestly, after a week full of adventure, I was wiped out and needed the rest more than anything. I had to prepare for the long drive home, too, which was still ahead. I woke up when my sister got home from work. She had another shift the next morning, so the house was quiet. I finally left late the next morning after sleeping until about 8 am. It was my own slow, reluctant goodbye to the mountains. The temper tantrum internally because GOD DAMN! I really have to go back to OHIO!
The best part of adventure is knowing when to pause, rest, and prepare for the next one. So you don’t over do it and have to postpone the next one or more.
Much love,
Axton N.O. Mitchell
My trip home was a little different than announced. You know as usual. If you didn’t notice I post these the day after so I’m technically home right now. And I also didn’t make a day one post for the real day one because I drove the entire night before so we all just hung out,
