At some point in the last few days, and I am not sure where, I feel like I have transformed from Andy Niekamp, the suburban dweller, to Captain Blue the long distance hiker. It was a welcome transition. I seemed to have left my cares behind at one of those mile markers painted on the path oh so many miles ago. My sole focus now is to hike the Ohio To Erie Trail.
I have lost a few pounds of body weight. My skin is getting tan and my beard is growing. My pack is lighter. I have less food and less clothes. My body is getting used to the daily routine of carrying a backpack many miles on hard surfaces. My feet hurt but not as much. I can stroll up to an unfamiliar woods at sunset, find a place to camp and get a good night of sleep. I can wake up the next day and do it all over again.
My favorite quote is ... "Does the person make the journey? Or does the journey make the person?" I am a firm believer that the journey makes the person.
P.S. If you comes across my pile of "cares" on the bike path please leave them there. I don't want them back.
