Tales of a Wayward Southerner-Jenn Deits

Appalachian Trail “The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot.”
–Werner Herzog

I am not necessarily obsessed with the Appalachian Trail. It is the closest long-distance trail to me and yes I do love the Appalachian Chain. I was out west in the Tetons. I thought, “I love the west but the Appalachians are home. ”

Being from the foothills of the mountains, it seemed like a good starting place for hiking. My cousin Chris thru-hiked the trail after college, which I thought was pretty “cool.” My grandmother loved the mountains and I went to a family reunion in the Smoky’s the second weekend in December for about 40 years. It is in the blood.

I was at a turning point in life with the kids grown and a change in occupation. I was looking forward to pursuing things I was interested in. I know a lot of people who do not have many outside interests. I tend to have to many and have to narrow my focus.

A friend recommended a book, “Becoming Odyessa” about a young woman who thru-hiked; the book rekindled the desire to return to nature. Hiking and reconnecting with God and creation are both healing and restorative. I become more centered and when I remove myself from people. It is my break from the dailyness of life.

I began by joining the Nashville Backpackers Meet-up, and met many people on a section hike through the Smoky’s. My husband also backpacked, and we started going on trips together, and I finally made a solo trip. There is something about carrying everything you need in a 20-25 pound pack. You realize what you can and cannot live without. Everyone has a few extravagances they are willing to bring along, no matter the weight. I met someone who had a pillow that she had to have. I always bring a novel, even though I am often too tired to read it. I met someone who carried an axe to chop wood for a fire. Crazy!

The quiet is probably what I love the most. My husband and I are great hiking partners because he hikes faster than I do, so I usually am alone, which I particularly enjoy. Plus, I always talk to hikers along the way. I have to be careful. One couple I met told me they were from Detroit, and I said, “Well, bless your heart.” I knew immediately I had said the wrong thing because they went on to talk about how great it is. I cannot think of many places I would rather not live than Detroit!

Usually, I spend the first day reflecting on many aspects of my life, and I declutter. I have a small poster in my office that says, “Into the forest, I go to lose my mind and find my soul.” That pretty much sums it up.

People ask how I sleep on the ground. I do have an inflatable air mattress that is quite comfortable. Also, if I have hiked all day, eaten, then crawled into my tent, put in my earbuds, and am listening to a book, I am usually asleep in five minutes, so it doesn’t matter if I am on an air mattress or at the Four Seasons Hotel—I am just sleeping.

I have people ask me if I carry a gun on the trail. First, I have never shot a gun. I have never owned a gun. And, I have never felt anything other than safe on the trail. So the answer is no. I do not carry a gun.

When the idea for the Appalachian Trail came about, the founders cited one reason for creating it: concern that with the rise of cities, it was not healthy for people. The noise, the rush to get things done, etc. Of course, this was in the forties; think about how stressful things are today. I am thankful that my childhood did not include computers, smartphones, and social media, and travel teams. We built forts, went to the pool, and played kick the can. We were always outside. Sadly, I do not see as many kids out anymore.

My point is that the benefits of enduring inconveniences pail compared to what I gain by walking in the woods, climbing mountains, fording creeks, and sleeping outdoors.

Therefore, If you have to put on make-up before running to the mailbox- backpacking is not for you.

If you must shower, everyday-go to a spa instead.

If you have a low pain tolerance-forget about it.

If you do not like exercise-lie on the beach and read a book.

However, if you are willing to endure minor difficulties for the reward of going for days without the sound of a truck, motorcycle, or car. If you love nature, trees, wildflowers, and most importantly, you like to sleep under the stars, then—Hike On!

Suggested info on hiking and the benefits of being in nature:
Why I Hike-You Tube
Into the Wild-You Tube
Books: Awol on the Appalachian Trail-David “Awol” Miller
Becoming Odyssa- Jennifer Pharr Davis
Appalachian Trail- A Biography by Philip D’Anieri
A Walk in the Woods- Bill Bryson
An Unlikely Thru Hiker- Derrick Lugo

* Grandma Gatewood’s Walk (first woman to thru-hike)

“The Power of Nature suggested by the Appalachians heights was meant not just to provide an escape from the cities down below, but a better perspective on them and opportunity to reflect on the relationship between these two poles of our existence.” Appalachian Trail – A Biography, D’Anieri

McAfee Knob-Appalachian Trail-Virginia