Awakening of the Woods

Starting the trail mid February might not seem like the brightest idea. You’ve all had to endure my complaining about the snow. Actually, let’s call it what it really is… the whining about the snow.

The main reason I started so early was to keep ahead of the bubble of people that normally start in March. The idea of sharing the trail, towns and campsites with so many people didn’t seem like a pleasant experience. Because of this decision I knew the trade off would be the possibility of snow and the probability of cold.

If you couldn’t tell, I’m not a fan of the cold or the snow. I’ve had a few people ask if I had to do over, would I have started later. Had you asked me this question when I was knee deep in snow on Unaka Mountain, it would have been a resounding “Yes”.

But with enduring the snow, comes experiencing the change into Spring. I’ve been able to witness the awakening of the woods.

The birds now wake me in the morning and fill the woods with music during the day. I didn’t realize how quiet it had been before. The squirrels dart, the snakes startle and the rustling of leaves tells me there’s more stirring that I don’t see.

Tiny flowers of every color are peeking their heads wondering, just as I am, if Spring is truly here. The snakes sunbathe on the rocks where I place my feet and the centipedes and ladybugs piddle along without a care in the world.

The vibrant pastures spotted with cows, colors of amber and emerald are a welcomed change to the wooded, mostly view-less scenery.

As I sat in a shelter during our first thunderstorm, I had hope it would encourage the lush sprouts on the trees and the blooming of the rhododendrons. But, instead, I awoke to cold temperatures and sleet.

I know eventually Spring will come and the cold will be gone. Until then, I’ll enjoy the sunshine when we get it and the re-awakening of the woods- however many times that may be.