The North Carolina Hike That Changed Sarah’s Life
Every year my brothers and I go on a backpacking trip. It’s a tradition we started a few years ago that I look forward to every year. And this year was no exception.
One major difference was that this year, our hike was going to be on the East Coast. Normally, we’ve stayed out West. And let’s just say, the humidity and heat on the East coast right now did us no favors.
This year, we hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail and ended in Hot Springs, NC. While the terrain was easier than hikes we’ve done in the past like the rocky trails in Wyoming, the weather was a huge factor in slowing me down. It was hot, humid, sticky, and overall very uncomfortable. Even in the evening, all 3 of us felt gross and like we were suffocating in our tents.
The first day wasn’t too bad. We hiked about 6 miles to our campsite after getting a late afternoon start on the trail. Bears were a big concern, but we were lucky and had no issues.
The second day… felt like torture. We hiked almost 17 miles in total. I thought my feet would be permanently damaged. It felt like my calves were going to separate from the rest of my body and just fall off. Add on top of that the absolute exhaustion and heat… At one point, I told my brothers I genuinely couldn’t keep going. So we took a small break where we stretched our legs and relaxed.
The bad news was, even after that break, we had almost 5 miles left to go until we reached our campsite. I thought there was no way I could make it. But look, that’s the thing about hiking- you pretty much have no choice. You HAVE to keep going. My brothers weren’t going to carry me. No one was going to rescue me just for being tired and sore.
So we mustered up what little energy we had left and continued on our last 5 miles to our campsite. At this point, I was nearly hallucinating. I thought a bush was our campsite at one point!
When we finally, FINALLY, rounded a corner and got to our campsite, I dropped my bag, sat on top of it, and shed a few tears. I was so overwhelmed with emotion (and have never cried on a hike!) It was a mixture of pain and suffering, but also just elation that we made it. I also think there was a lot of pride in my tears – I pushed my body and mind past what I thought was the limit!
Was this hike fun? No. But was it rewarding? Absolutely. And I can’t wait to do it again next year.
12 Types Of People You'll Definitely See At A Barbecue
The Grill Guru
The master of the grill. The Grill Guru confidently flips burgers and searing juicy steaks, armed with secret seasonings and a passion for grilling. The grill guru is so passionate that they probably won’t let you near the grill. And if they do, prepare to be schooled on how to properly grill.
The Backyard Athlete
Prepare to witness the self-proclaimed sports superstar of the barbecue. This person takes every opportunity to showcase their athletic ability in the simplest of backyard games. Whether it’s a casual game of horseshoes or a friendly round of cornhole, they approach it with a level of intensity that rivals professional athletes. They may not have a trophy cabinet to show off, but their exaggerated victory celebrations and constant reminders of their “unbeatable” skills make them an, um, “entertaining” addition to the barbecue festivities. You’ll pretty much be exhausted by the time their competitive edge comes down.
The Plate-Stacker
This person is notorious for loading their plate with excessive food, showing no restraint when it comes to enjoying the barbecue feast. It’s okay, dude, the food isn’t going anywhere.
The Snack Seeker
A relentless snacker, always on the hunt for the tastiest pre-grill treats, conquering every chip, dip, and appetizer in sight. They may even snag a bite or two from the food fresh off the grill.
The Designated Diner
The person who possesses the magical ability to remain firmly planted in their seat while effortlessly acquiring a full plate of food. With impeccable timing and a keen eye, they navigate the food line from their comfortable spot, expertly signaling for others to fetch them their food. Their plate always seems to be mysteriously overflowing with an assortment of meats, sides, and desserts, as if they have a secret connection to the kitchen.
The Chillaxer
There is almost always one person who has perfected the art of unwinding and chilling out. They can be found in their designated relaxation spot, whether it’s a hammock, a comfortable lawn chair, or a cozy nook with a book. With a serene smile on their face, they embody a sense of tranquility, fully immersing themselves in the laid-back ambiance of the barbecue.
The Makeshift Bartender
This person is always on the lookout for empty glasses, constantly checking if anyone else would like another beer, showcasing their generous and attentive nature. They effortlessly navigate between guests, effortlessly balancing their own glass while refilling others, ensuring that everyone’s drink preferences are catered to. Their dedication to keeping the drinks flowing is unmatched. Need a refill? Well, they’ve got you covered.
The Aspiring DJ
This person seizes every opportunity to take control of the music, eager to showcase their DJ skills and create a vibrant atmosphere at the barbecue. Leave it to this person to connect to the Bluetooth speaker without being asked. Sometimes, it may actually be something you want to hear.
The Party Energizer
The life of the party, spreading laughter and good vibes, leading impromptu dance-offs, and keeping the BBQ lively with their endless repertoire of jokes and stories. Their big personality and natural charisma captivates everyone around them. Typically, this person is the loudest at the barbecue.
The Perpetual Guest
This person consistently shows up empty-handed, relying on the generosity and preparations of others without contributing any food, drinks, or supplies to the barbecue gathering. One thing they do remember to bring is their appetite.
The Vegan Advocate
With a strong belief in their dietary choices, they proudly advocate for plant-based living. While their commitment to a vegan lifestyle is commendable, their enthusiasm can sometimes come across as obnoxious. They can’t resist taking every opportunity to remind everyone about the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of a vegan lifestyle. Whether it’s passionately discussing the horrors of factory farming or offering unsolicited advice on meat alternatives, they can sometimes become overbearing.
The Constant Cleaner
There’s always one person dedicated to keeping the barbecue area spotless. Armed with cleaning supplies and an unwavering commitment to tidiness, they ensure that every surface is sparkling clean. It’s best to just step back and let them do their thing.
