March 21, 1997 (Day 2 – milepoint 11.6 – Coopers Gap)

Up with the sun after a restless sleep in the shelter. A couple of mice were scurrying around all night near my head looking for food, which forced me to sit up a couple of times. But that brought to my attention the forest glowing brightly in the moonlight. So as frustrated as I was with the mice, I suppose I had to thank them for the scene I would not have otherwise enjoyed. Quick breakfast and hit the trail with moleskin on already blistered heels. (Note: when breaking in boots before a long backpacking trip, wear a full backpack from time to time.) I made a stop at Long Creek Falls for a bath. Nice little water fall with a good sized pool below. The water was humiliatingly cold but refreshing.

Back on the path and joined Mr. Mingo for the rest of the day. Excellent human being. I asked him about his trail name: “Mr. Mingo,” he said, “is the name of an obscure song by an obscure band.” I was told of trail names before my hike and learned that very few hikers, if any, make it very long without either creating one for themselves or earning one from others. I’ve been wondering if it might be smart to come up with a trail name for myself before someone notices my body odor or some other appalling characteristic…

As we walked on, Mr. Mingo brought up the subject of cloning and we talked about it. We talked about other random things that came up and we talked about how good it will be to detach from society for 6 months. Of course, neither of us have any idea what that means at this point. We made camp at Coopers Gap (mile 11.6). Saw two other people all day. Physically, mentally, emotionally – feeling pretty good. Feeling pain – hips and feet mostly – but it is tolerable so far. It was a sunny 60 degree day and I spent it in good company, so no complaints.

Joe

March 21, 2009

A week after I lost my job in January, I was still pretty shaken up. I sat in front of my computer working on my resume and searching for jobs online – not something I’ve ever really had to do. Though my resume was looking pretty marketable, the job search was disheartening. And I was miserable – not a feeling I’ve had much experience with in my life.

For me, the problem wasn’t that the economy had made quality job opportunities sparse, it was the very fact that I was job hunting. “What the hell have I been doing with my life? What kind of man am I?” I felt stripped of my power, no longer in control of my own destiny. Add into the mix my wife’s general anxiety and displeasure, and my ability to focus productively was just deteriorating.

For her sanity, my wife needed me to find a job yesterday. By contrast, my anxiety level went up when I considered the idea of actually finding a job right then. That would surely have sent me into oblivion.

It was not consistent with the message the universe was sending, which felt something like, “If, again, you ignore your inner voice for an unconscious paycheck, I will again knock you on your ass, but into a hole even deeper than this one. Wake up, then look inside. Listen. Feel… Pay attention… Trust… Set yourself on your path. YOUR path…”

I closed my computer, went to my car, drove west 30 minutes up Boulder Canyon, and went skiing alone for the rest of the day.

The result was relief, renewed energy, openness, and, among a few other interesting things, EnlightenTheLoad.com.

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