Here we go…

After four days of travel from Washington through Idaho, Montana, more Montana, and even more Montana, followed by a quick pass through North Dakota and Minnesota, we arrived at Wisconsin’s Interstate State Park yesterday. There were a few hours of humid but pleasant weather before the sky opened and we were treated to a Midwest thunder storm. It was the perfect welcome. With camp mostly set up, we enjoyed the lightning from the cozy confines of our camper, falling asleep to the downpour and thunder.

And then today. The romantic RV-adventuring feeling was replaced with nervousness and looping thoughts of What have I done? What am I doing? as I faced starting thru-hiking 1,100+ miles. But I started. Eric, Vivienne, and Red saw me off from the western terminus and within the first mile excitement replaced the racing thoughts as I took in the beauty of Wisconsin’s landscape. My legs are sore and my left IT band is angry, but I completed the day’s miles and made a 13.4-mile dent into the trail.

It goes without saying that I couldn’t do any of this without the support of Eric. His love, humor, and thoughtfulness are everything. And one day I will stop questioning his love of gadgets and simply benefit from them, like I was reminded of today, again, after experiencing the healing power of leg compression boots that he surprised me with for this trip. ;)