August 28, 2016
Pete, at the Catamount in Bennington, VT, checked us in at 9:45 a.m.!
Food Change
August 26, 2016
We found out that we like to eat our hearty meal of quinoa and chicken- or cheese! – after walking for a bit in the morning, instead of at night.
After walking all day and reaching camp at dusk or even after dark, something “light” like our cornmush seems just right!
“Emotionally Broken”
August 22, 2016
That’s what the hiker we met this morning said. Her story is that she walked from Springer to Katahdin, reaching the summit in Maine on August 4th.
18 days later, she’s already reached 725 miles in a southbound return to Springer!
“How are you doing,” I asked. Her reply, “I’m physically doing great. I’m emotionally broken. I don’t have time to talk with anyone and I hike all day and night.”
Holding Back
August 15, 2016
I am not sharing my story. I am waiting. Letting someone else call the shots. Being a loyal partner while settling for unfulfillment, taking what comes, avoiding creating. Making assumptions that deep connection is not possible.
Avoiding taking a close look and going deeper myself.
Interesting that on this section, I now have ample time to write, to post, to connect, and I decided going into it that I wouldn’t. I would focus on making miles, letting the blogging fall away. Ironically, I have now been in this hostel for 24 hours. And I don’t want to share!
Dry
July 2, 2016
Have I told you that I LOOOOVE my tarp shelter?! It kept us dry in the thunderstorm last night. Chalk up another success for the Rayway tarp system!
This 1.5 lb drape of fabric has sheltered us in all kinds of weather in all four seasons.
Check here for more tarp successes. https://forgivenesswalks.com/reginas-tarps
Whohoo for the tarp! And Love Your Gear!
In joy,
Regina
Mary Says
June 28, 2016
“A mutual friend demanded that I get to know Regina when I was attempting to train my uncooperative body to go on a hiking trip in Scotland with my son. My friend could see that Regina had the skills to assist me on preparing my body for the trail. She could also see that Regina had the knowledge and ability to assist me with uncovering whatever I had in my past that would emotionally, mentally, and spiritually block me from making the breakthroughs needed to complete this memorable trip. Indeed, Regina’s and my relationship became one of looking for the source of joy in the Inner Journey that is found when sometimes looking for something else. Regina’s unique, calm, unassuming presence and comments would knock my socks off. She was always supportive, always loving, always encouraging, and always looking for what she could provide for me.”
Trail Magic
June 25, 2016
Most hikers mean “Food” when they talk about Trail Magic, the term for happy surprises on the trail.
My favorite Trail Magic is trail maintenance, and extraordinary care like the Duncannon Appalachian Trail Club folks – and day hikers who happened to be hiking up to Hawk Rock – who were removing graffiti from the rocks. They had teamed up to carry 70 gallons of water one mile up with a 750 ft elevation gain. It was impressive! Volunteers, families, random day hikers, the handful of organizers gathered a crew and spent half the day coating the paint with a gelatinous acid product, waiting for an hour, then scrubbing with wire brushes.
Cumberland Valley
June 23, 2016
Click “Read in browser” for pictures!
No camping for 17 miles! It’s the traverse across Cumberland Valley, PA that includes the town of Boiling Springs. The trail skirts farms and crosses a dozen roads, including the PA Turnpike, US 11, and I-81. Most hikers hoof it across the 17-mile stretch of easy walking all in one day. We did that as well in 2007 when we walked south. This time, we’re doing the stretch over two days, with a hotel stop in the middle.
The corridor of the trail is owned by the Park Service as what is known as Appalachian Trail Lands. In the Cumberland Valley, signs tell us this, along with the information that these lands are being farmed to preserve the historical and pastoral quality of the area.
Vision
June 20, 2016
It helps me keep going to have someone to talk with about my dreams. Last night, Mary Campbell, whom I had coached to accomplish her 5-day walk in Scotland, talked with me about my vision for HeartSinging Walks Community. Here’s the recording from our half-hour conversation. Listen in !
- Walking evokes and expresses an Inner Journey
- Regina’s approach starts with this awareness
- This could help people just getting started with walking for health
- Several structures could make it available to more people
Join in the conversation!
http://audioacrobat.com/email/ENNV66sqV
Comment here, or send Regina an email: regina@forgivenesswalks.com
Tornado Watch
June 16, 2016
The day started – and ended – with rain! In between, we walked 17 miles, stopping once for a thunderstorm and once for a tornado watch.