100-Mile Wilderness

The sign reads as follows: 100-mile wilderness...you will need 7-10 days of food... unprepared hikers, stay away.  I entered the 100-mile wilderness chuckling to myself.  After all, haven't I been in the wilderness all along?  It is here where the A.T. traverses a beautifully remote area in Maine. Personally, I have never felt so comfortable and close to God.  I am now an experienced thru-hiker who is literally walking toward her family.

The wilderness is rugged initially, but tapers off to flatlands.  Some consider this to be the most scenic section on the A.T.  The gorgeous, fall-like Maine weather, loons calling, ponds, streams, creatures, colorful foliage and skies, although fully appreciated, became secondary in my hike towards my loved ones.  I tried to live in the moment, but my thoughts kept drifting back to my husband and three children.  God, did I miss them!  Climbing the summit of Mt. Katahdin typically signifies the end of a thru-hiker's journey.  My summit was meaningful and suberb!  However, when I saw my family gathered at the Mt. Katahdin Stream Campground, my entire body tingled with emotion!  To realize my dream in their arms, on the A.T., was the perfect climax to my five and three fourths month, 2,174 mile odyssey!

"I have learned that love does not end, not even with death;

it continues to express itself in ways ever new." -James E. Miller