It was difficult. I've only learned to carry as little as possible after six years of practice. And that became possible only after I've learned to push back my fears. I had to slowly ignore the doubting questions that begins with "What if..?" What if I run out of gas? So I used to bring alcohol stove and alcohol gas bottle in addition to my fuel canister and jetboil stove. That made me bring 2 stoves and 2 fuel types. What if it becomes colder than my sleeping bag? So I brought an emergency bivy bag, sleeping bag liner and more clothes. What if I run out of food? So I doubled the amount of food I brought. What if I need to wash my clothes so I brought a foldable water bucket to fetch water and clean myself and my clothes away from the water source. And many more making my total pack reach 32-36 lbs during the first year of hiking. After 6 years of practice my pack weighs only 23lbs with everything on it! (I wrote this 2 years ago, on May 29, 2023. The photo is this year's hike)
My hikes this year have to pause temporarily due to foot issues: pain and swelling! The base of my right big thumb has had this pain issue for 2 years, but there was no swelling. This week, the pain has not only worsened but is swollen together with 2 more points indicated by the arrows in the May 23 photo. I am giving some rest for my right foot for now and postpone my hikes to a future time when my feet heals. 5.28.25
Days 153-162 | July 9-18: Zero Days to attend a week-long Family Vacation. Today 7/18, at at 10 am, we left Lake Waynewood, PA for North Adams to resume hiking tomorrow, 7/19 nobo. We fstop by the Taste if New York (see video) and instead of going straight to Renee's at 2:30 pm, we took a nap at a church parking lot (Second Congregational Church) and proceeded to Renee's at 5:30 pm.
Six weeks to go before I embark on my second attempt for a long (2,194 miles) hike, driven by the primary goal of enhancing my overall health. I attempted to thru hike in 2017 wanting to get over my anxiety and focus on building a habit of gratefulness so I picked up "grateful" as my trailname to go with my hiking goal that time. I plan to continue using it. Was able to finish GA, WV, MD, PA, NJ, NY, CT up to Dalton, MA that year and continued the following years to do NC, TN and VA. Will re-attempt from GA next month.
Grateful Pilgrimer
This is a slightly used footwear for women and looks new pa rin.
6 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Grateful Pilgrimer
It was difficult. I've only learned to carry as little as possible after six years of practice. And that became possible only after I've learned to push back my fears. I had to slowly ignore the doubting questions that begins with "What if..?" What if I run out of gas? So I used to bring alcohol stove and alcohol gas bottle in addition to my fuel canister and jetboil stove. That made me bring 2 stoves and 2 fuel types. What if it becomes colder than my sleeping bag? So I brought an emergency bivy bag, sleeping bag liner and more clothes. What if I run out of food? So I doubled the amount of food I brought. What if I need to wash my clothes so I brought a foldable water bucket to fetch water and clean myself and my clothes away from the water source. And many more making my total pack reach 32-36 lbs during the first year of hiking. After 6 years of practice my pack weighs only 23lbs with everything on it! (I wrote this 2 years ago, on May 29, 2023. The photo is this year's hike)
7 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Grateful Pilgrimer
My hikes this year have to pause temporarily due to foot issues: pain and swelling! The base of my right big thumb has had this pain issue for 2 years, but there was no swelling. This week, the pain has not only worsened but is swollen together with 2 more points indicated by the arrows in the May 23 photo. I am giving some rest for my right foot for now and postpone my hikes to a future time when my feet heals. 5.28.25
7 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 0
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Grateful Pilgrimer
Ozzy, my yorkie pup enjoying our walk around the lake today as if guided by the bright ray of light! Gunners Lake. 5.23.25
7 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Grateful Pilgrimer
My hubby really knows how to make my morning special!❤️
10 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Grateful Pilgrimer
True leaders value respect for rules. They have strong abilities to follow the law.
10 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Grateful Pilgrimer
Days 153-162 | July 9-18: Zero Days to attend a week-long Family Vacation. Today 7/18, at at 10 am, we left Lake Waynewood, PA for North Adams to resume hiking tomorrow, 7/19 nobo. We fstop by the Taste if New York (see video) and instead of going straight to Renee's at 2:30 pm, we took a nap at a church parking lot (Second Congregational Church) and proceeded to Renee's at 5:30 pm.
1 year ago | [YT] | 0
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Grateful Pilgrimer
@StarryHilder We're grateful for meeting you! You lifted up our spirit - continue your mission of lifting up spirits in the name of our Lord Jesus!
1 year ago | [YT] | 0
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Grateful Pilgrimer
Six weeks to go before I embark on my second attempt for a long (2,194 miles) hike, driven by the primary goal of enhancing my overall health. I attempted to thru hike in 2017 wanting to get over my anxiety and focus on building a habit of gratefulness so I picked up "grateful" as my trailname to go with my hiking goal that time. I plan to continue using it. Was able to finish GA, WV, MD, PA, NJ, NY, CT up to Dalton, MA that year and continued the following years to do NC, TN and VA. Will re-attempt from GA next month.
1 year ago | [YT] | 0
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Grateful Pilgrimer
Nov 2-6, 2023. Boracay sunset is sooo relaxing.
2 years ago | [YT] | 0
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