To Bee a Flip Flop
tales of
the Sparkle Chasing Mountain Mermaid
called Neck Knife
Flopping SOBO
October 3, 2020
Written on day 135, at mile 1,556
Almost a whole month has passed and there is a lot to catch you up on.
Digesting the Flip
The time between Katahdin and getting back to Harpers Ferry to start the flop was fast, and packed with logistical planning and visiting with the fam. I had very little time to think and digest the three months of the flip, leaving myself to wonder if I had even learned anything or accomplished any personal growth... Spoiler, I did.
As you know, it was a much more social experience than anticipated. I worried that I was missing out on my own journey distracting myself with people and partying. But, turns out that was a learning experience in itself. The friends I made were the result of being 100% me, no front, no trying to fit in, just being unapologetically my weird, outgoing-introverted self, and that in turn brought me to other people who were unapologetically theirselves and weird and silly like me- crazy how that works! I also met a lot of people with vastly different stories and views than my own, and learned how to confidently vocalize my beliefs and boundaries, while also holding compassion and understanding for others.
I am much more at ease, with everything. Life has been boiled down to the bare necessities and simple luxuries. Things just don’t hold as much weight, while other simple things, like a warm shower are now never taken for granted. Things don’t go as planned, bad weather happens, you get to town craving a margarita and the restaurant you end up at doesn’t have tequila.... But everything is okay. I’m in no way less emotional, but it’s just always okay. I have let go of a lot and learned to really be present and make the best of any situation.
While at my sister’s between the flip and flop, sometime between my many showers and running my laundry through another cycle, I caught my reflection in the mirror and genuinely shocked myself. I don’t see my reflection very much anymore. I am rarely in a bathroom and even more rarely one with a mirror. But I caught my reflection... and I was beautiful, like genuinely beautiful. Something was radiating from within and it was really neat to see the change that I have been feeling inside- a huge confidence, appreciation, and love for who I am becoming. I know this may sound silly... but I really think this was the first time I ever saw myself this way.
There is a surprising amount of bright flowers this fall!
Spiderwebs are so impressively beautiful.
Still making critter friends 👋🏽
Beginning the Flop
I flew back to West Virginia and was picked up by a friend I met on trail, Shotput. She brought me to her house just outside of D.C. and then to trail in the morning. The drop off was significantly less dramatic than it was in May, and just like that I was walking again, but this time heading South. I officially became a SOBO (southbound).
I struggled quite a bit adjusting to the humidity and heat. I think I did around 8-12 miles a day for the first week.
The trail has been very quiet. There are quite a few day hikers and section hikers on the weekends or in popular areas but not many thru hikers. I catch spiders with my face many times a day, constantly walking through webs. It’s a nice change of pace, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t lonely. Being one of the few thru hikers, I find that I am like a zoo creature to all the day hikers. It’s fun to have them ‘fan girl’ over me for a minute, and chit-chat with people who think I’m super cool for walking a lot. These interactions have become really nice, providing a bit of a social fix in these quiet times. I never thought I’d ever say this but…. I miss people. I have gone stretches where I don’t see another person for a couple days. It’s less scary than it sounds... just lonely.
However, this quiet journey is more of the experience I expected and wanted when I first set out. I am alone with my thoughts and boredom and challenges that come with a quiet surrounding. This is when the hike shines a light on me and I work through all the things that hide in my dark corners.
Misty mornings
Hiking in my fleece Melanzana dress almost every day
The cutest lil snake I’ve ever seen!
My emotions and my miles have continued to be inconsistent. The other day in the pouring rain, it was too cold to stop and I couldn’t use my hands, so I ended up hiking 22 miles while making up weird songs and laughing at myself. A couple days later the weather was beautiful, but the terrain was pretty boring and I spent the day asking myself what I was doing this for, what I was trying to prove, and trying not to fall asleep while walking.... I stopped after 12 miles that day. Another day it was sunny and clear with some nice views and I listened to a book and went 18 miles. Another day it was misty and warm and I went 14 miles in silence and awe of the beauty that comes out in the fog. For the most part, my spirits are high, but I am tired... lacking some motivation currently. I do welcome low periods like this with open arms, though. I appreciate an opportunity to learn and grow and I know that this lull is exactly that.
The longest footbridge on the AT at 1000 feet!
Taking a lot more breaks than usual.
Lots of pastures….
Fall and cool leaves 😍
Fat ass rattler sunning on Tinker Cliffs after a filling meal.
Been enjoying starting the day in the dark and watching the world come to life.
Virginia has had some nice sections and good views and I haven’t been all doom and gloom. I hit McAffee Knob, the most photographed place on the whole trail, and the place I decided to do this big hike a year ago. I have seen so many snakes, including a giant rattler, and am almost completely desensitized, even interested!!, a HUGE sign of growth as I have been terrified of snakes my entire life. The trail has been going through a lot of pastures however... and after the moose incident, I have a (maybe irrational) fear of all large animals... so I am now afraid of cows..... but back to the good parts. I’ve been doing a lot more yoga and meditating again, listening to my body and realigning myself. I am taking zeros! I’ve been really benefiting from taking a day off here and there, like right now, as I lounge on a couch at Angel’s Rest Hiker Hostel in Pearisburg, VA.
The days are getting chillier and I am much preferring that to the heat. I have learned that unless I am by a body of water, I can never live in humidity. Lots of ups and downs as I get back in my groove, but still smiling, still walking, just heading south now.
‘A year ago, almost to the exact day, I sat here on this very rock, thanks to Jeff Mayer’s hike recommendation. I knew of the Appalachian Trail, I had joked of doing it for years, but when I sat here last year, my only thought was ‘Hey, why the hell not?’ And I decided in that moment I was gunna do the whole thing 🤷🏼♀️ So, now here I am, doing the whole damn thang 💁🏼♀️ #whatup #dothethings’