Jane Lee and Stephen Coburn, both of Monticello, are on the 2,200-mile journey of the Appalachian Trail. Coburn & Lee provide this 2nd installment as a first person account from their hike:
Since our last update Pops and Nana have hiked a portion of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. The weather has been as unpredictable as the Appalachian Trail terrain. Today, for example, it is snowing. Pretty crazy for the day after Easter. So far, we have hiked roughly 140 miles up mountains, crossing creeks, and through open fields.
The views and sights have been amazing! One interesting historical sight was seeing the Washington Monument. No, not the one in Washington DC. Did you know the first Washington Monument built to honor George Washington can be found near Boonesboro, Maryland. Built by the towns people of Boonesboro, the monument was celebrated on July 4, 1827. The monument was used in the Civil War as a lookout station by the Union Army.
We continue to meet people from around the country on the trail. Currently we are hiking with new friends new friends, trail names Last Minute and Why Not, from Rhode Island. On the trail there is a community that forms and the hike and life is shared.
Little things make a difference on the trail. Hot coffee, warm blankets, and dry socks are celebrated. The trail is teaching us how simple life can be. We are learning what is a necessary and what can be eliminated. You learn that life doesn’t have to be so complicated.
Life is good! Enjoy the little things. Stay present and be encouraged!
