I’ve hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia through Pennsylvania , some sections multiple times. By my count that’s a more than half the 2,175 mile long trail, the United State ’s longest footpath. Endless beautiful vistas, symphonies of bird and insect song, countless bouquets of nature’s blooms in scent and sight, precious sightings of a myriad of wildlife, were all my reward along the path. On occasion, I’d meet a fellow hiker and enjoy some time in exchange, smiles and handshakes pre and post, sincere and heartfelt. The weather ranged from crisis hot to crisis cold and afterwards, I’d be better for it. I prayed for sunshine, prayed for rain, and often gave thanks for weather that day. Fickle about snow, I never decided how I felt about it exactly, usually happy to see it come and equally happy to see it go. Many times, I marveled at cloud formations, rainbows, sunrises, sunsets, and infinite stars closer than truly possible. I always dined with nature and in such excellent company, the food rarely the focus, but more the excuse to linger and enjoy the experience. One day, I will finish my hike along this path, by my count, I’m halfway there. Good journeys!