Weekend assignment. The hike I never took.

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The <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place>Appalachian Trail</st1:place> – as far back as I can remember I had a dream of taking 6 months off from my day to day rounds and hike all the way thru the <st1:place>Appalachian Trail</st1:place>. From <st1:country-region><st1:place>Georgia</st1:place></st1:country-region> to <st1:place>Main</st1:place>, 2175 + miles, thru 14 different states.

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The anticipation- of waiting for a commitment from my fellow journeymen or women. Hopefully at least 3 others, safety in numbers and all.

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The excitement- of planning each and every detail of this life altering experience. What to bring, what not to bring, what we will need to pick up along the way. Where will our mail drops and pick ups be.

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The shopping- for all of the right gear. As many comforts of home as you can fit in a 25-50 pound sack. Not forgetting who will be carrying it.

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The fashion- hiking boots, shorts and a t-shirt, except for when it snows.

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The rebuttals- to the objections from well meaning family and friends that will no doubt be trying to talk me out of going.

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The pre training- practice hikes and physical training before the hike so important to early success on the hike.

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The mental preparation- anticipaitating being homesick, having blisters on your blisters, loss of apatite, the boredom of trail food, the necessity of using out door facilities, if you know what I mean, sleeping on a pad on the hard rocky ground. And accepting these things as part of the journey.

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The sight – of nature’s beauty. The mountains, the lakes, the ponds, the rivers, the sunrises the sunsets, the bridges, the land marks, the wild flowers. Wow!! Just think of the photo opps.

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The smell- of the earth, the rain, the sunshine and all of that fresh air.

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The taste- of trail food, 3-5 days between re supplying points.

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The sounds- of laughter, song and storytelling around a blazing camp fire at night. Prohibited in some areas.

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The joy- of reconnecting to self. Time to clear the mind and possibly redirect the path that will be waiting after the hike is over.

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The privilege- of meeting new people along the way and becoming like family to those on the trail.

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The whimsical- trail names. Mine would possibly be dancing in the rain or maybe just Coy.

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The once in a lifetime- opportunity to follow my dreams. For me happiness has always revolved around where I have been, what I have done, who I have met and the photographs that document it all.

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The hike I may never take.<o:p></o:p>

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                                                        *** Coy ***<o:p></o:p>

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