Category: Uncategorized
-
Pre Trip Ponderings
Before I left Vermont, mud season had once again turned the dirt roads to a morass of ruts, potholes and sucking mud that could grab and hold a car in place. Add to the top of this a spring snowstorm with a layer of ice underneath and the roads become almost impossible to navigate. These…
-
Mary Badass Updates
It has been a long while since I have posted anything here. During that time I have been on many journeys, both internal and external. Some experiences have been filled with joy. Others have been excruciatingly painful. But all have been a blessing in their own way and have brought me to a place I…
-
Loneliness on Day Six of the NET
I get asked a lot if I get lonely hiking by myself. The answer is “of course I do.” But the truth is I have felt lonely for most of my life. I was lonely growing up in an abusive family. I was lonely all through school where I was often teased. And I was…
-
A Change of Plans While Hiking the NET
I like it when I know where I am headed in life. Having some idea of how the following day will be structured gives me a sense of security when I go to bed at night. As someone who has spent much of her life self-employed, I like creating some structure for myself to keep…
-
Wildlife on the NET
I have seen a surprising amount of wildlife on the NET in Connecticut. I often see hawks soaring along the cliff edges. Every day I see deer bounding through the woods. Probably as a result of this, I have also seen a few tiny deer ticks crawling up my arm or leg. I hope one…
-
Thoughts While Hiking the NET: Day 4
The NET crosses a lot of private land. When it became a National Scenic Trail some people stopped letting the trail cross their property. They were afraid of what government involvement might mean for them as private landowners. Other people were fine with the change and some even welcomed having hikers cross their property. I…
-
Hiking the NET Day Three; Thoughts on Perspective and Relativity
This trail is continually reminding me that everything is relative. I believe it only reaches 1000 feet above sea level once in the first 100 miles. I live higher than that. Yet in a fifteen mile day of hiking I gain and lose well over 3000 feet of elevation. When I reached Castle Craig I…
-
Hiking the NET Day Two: Thoughts on Fear and Trust
People often ask me if I am afraid out hiking alone. I usually tell them “no” though a more honest answer would be, “it depends.” In a lightning storm on a high exposed ridge I am frightened. I am definitely frightened when a moose charges me or when I slip and fall down a steep…
-
Hiking the NET Day One
The NET is unlike any other long trail that I have ever hiked in that large portions of it are near residential areas. There are stretches of at least fifty miles with no designated campsites and thru hikers are expected to stay in hotels. At least one of the two major river crossings requires either…
-
New England Trail (NET): The Beginning
My hike began five days ago but it has taken me a while to write and post anything. I could say I wasn’t really sure what to write. While there is truth to that, the real reason is that this trail has been kicking my butt and leaving me pretty tired at night. A long…
The Mary Badass 