12/21/22
Day Eighty-Two

Today was absolutely stunning. This is the kind of day that people rave about regarding winter hiking. There was no wind, it was a bit cold but not terrible, and the trails were pristine. The skies were pure blue and the trees were caked in snow. I felt stronger than I’ve felt in a while today, too. Winter hiking has always been really hard for me because I’ve never felt strong enough to carry snowshoes even if I’m not using them (which isn’t the case, it’s all in my head, I am absolutely strong enough). Today I reminded myself that I did a two night backpacking trip twice while in active cancer treatment and carried a fully loaded backpack. If I can do that, then there is no reason I can’t carry snowshoes and wear them in winter. As I ascended Tom for the first time in a year (at least) via Avalon and A-Z Trail I felt strong. I welcomed the weight of the snowshoes on my pack before putting them on and not taking them off for the vast majority of the hike. I felt strong. I never feel strong. It was such a wonderful feeling. This must be what it’s like for everyone else who hikes, I thought.

Daily Miles: 9.54

Daily Vert: 3786’

Overall Miles: 897.78

Overall Vert: 262,689’

Trace: 39.1% -> 39.6%

NEHH: 35/100

Trails:

Tom Spur

A-Z Trail

Avalon Trail

Willey Range Trail

Beecher Pearl Cascades Loop