A Shiver of Excitement

Winter woods.

From time to time, I get this weird feeling in my gut that rises up my spine to my brain.  I don't know what it is.  I don't know what it means or what causes it, but it fills me with a strange excitement.  I know I have felt it before a race or a long hike.  Maybe before a vacation or even a sporting event, but I'm not sure what is stirring this feeling this time.

I felt it today as I walked in the woods with Ginger.  The weather was sullen, but my spirit was soaring.  I have a feeling it is a desire to get back out into the forest for a time.

I'm still methodically and slowly planning my hike to finish my Quest.  My daughter's pregnancy is dictating my schedule.  I have 600 miles to go.  Somewhere around 50 more days of hiking, I estimate.  Vermont doesn't recommend using the Trail before Memorial Day, so that is my starting date.  Shauni is due July 15th.  I hope to complete  the Trail around then.  

I'm pretty sure I will need some time in the bush before that.  LoGear and I have been thinking about getting out for an overnight or two soon, but it is winter and we are waiting for a window of at least a somewhat decent weather forecast before we head out.

Heading out to finish this Quest while my baby is gestating one of her own will be hard, but I figured that I technically don't need to be there and their first fur baby was in the house for a week while I was away before I met her, so this is like that, right?   

The feeling is hard to explain.  The best I can do is describe it as a excited sense of well-being.  It's kind of hard to believe that I would be feeling a sense of well-being with what is going on in this country right now, but it does prove my constant mantra that I have always been responsible for my own happiness and well-being. 

I have said hundreds of times that in all of my adult life, no President has ever directly affected my happiness and well-being.  I generate that myself.  I maintain that frame of mind even though this "president" is using me and the organization I have served as a fucking pawn in a power struggle. I really don't like being a pawn. 

I'm ready for any challenge that is put in front of me.  Just like climbing a mountain on the Trail.  I take it one step at a time and just keep going until it is done.  

We are going to be just fine.

Peace,
EarthTone