4/14/14   ENCOUNTERS

   I often meet interesting people as I hike the Smokies. Part of my job as a Ridgerunner is talking with those I meet to learn of problems or concerns and help them with park policies and mostly for conservation of the resources, just a term for keeping the park as pristine and natural as possible for now and the future. I am blessed to have the opportunity to share with those I encounter a unique and beautiful place. I counted 44 northbound thru hikers as I hiked south to the Fontana trailhead, finishing another week of the 2014 season, my 12^th.  I spent a sunny and warm week, ending on a cool morning, spitting rain, the beginning of a wet and cold period predicted.

   I met a family of four thru hikers entering the park for that section of the AT often anticipated by those who would challenge its 70 miles Often with concern for its challenges of difficult terrain and weather, while looking forward to the wildlife in the park, so diverse and beautiful.  Of note for this family was their two children, ages 7 and 9 with their smiling faces and the little fitted packs on their backs coming up to their father, who was graciously listening to my normal spiel. They gave all appearances of simply taking a walk in the woods, not on a 2180 thru hike of America’s most notable National scenic trail.

   Some might look hard on parents dragging such young ones on such an arduous journey but I saw two young people blessed with parents who were joining them on a journey that for most of us is a dream seldom realized but cherished by the few who do it. My own dream began at age 25 on my first trip in the Smokies and first sight of that white blaze my hiking buddy told me, “this goes all the way to Maine”.  My dream stayed with me until I retired and hiked the trail in 1999. I have heard countless stories and I can only imaging the memories these children will have and the education they will get. I went to a summer camp as a boy once and that week experience remains one of the most memorable and genuine learning experiences for me.

   I have since learned that the parents' home school their children and I believe this year will be a very good school year  A chance encounter is an educational experience, but thru hike is an encounter with life that is hard to beat.