May Adventure! 5/22/17 Annapolis Rock Appalachian Trail Boonsboro, MD

I decided to go on a solo hike this month for my adventure!  I was quite nervous about it- not only was it at a place where I hadn't been before, but I was also worried about my safety while doing it!  I was going to be alone in the woods- with potential murderers and bear.  I found it pretty easily.  Actually it was just a parking lot off the side of the road with the entrance of the trail there.  I parked, gave myself a bit of a pep talk, cursed myself a bit for forgetting to both pee before I left the house and bring my poncho for the potentially rainy day. The trail was 2.5 miles so with an almost full bladder and a worried heart I was already telling myself it was OK to not do the whole trail.    I stopped and took this picture before officially heading out. 

As I turned to go behind the sign I was really nervous so I drew inspiration from a blog I had read earlier in the week about a girl heading out for her first solo hike-- she told herself, Let's go-- just put one foot in front of the other.  I checked my phone a few times while walking down the pavement towards the trail and worked up the nerve.  Cell signal strong.  OK-- let's go.

This was it-- the start of my adventure.  I nervously but boldly started.  It went around a curve and down a slope.  There I was met with a long, narrow, open air bridge heading across the interstate.  The noise from the traffic only made my anxiety worse and I nearly started to cry. Was that a hiker on the other side of the bridge!? Coming right towards me!?  That's when I noticed that the arrow to Annapolis Rock pointed to the trail to the right and not to the bridge.  So I started down that trail right next to the traffic.  It was deafening.  Then I had to go underneath an overpass where I was certain a homeless person was going to jump out and get me.  At this point I was so scared but I kept going. 

I drew from all my girl power--- "Nevertheless, she persisted." 

Once I made it to a more quiet area with more woods I loosened up a bit to realize I was holding a what I can imagine was a pretty bold/animated face about the whole experience.  I decided to take a selfie with this serious look.

Pretty sure I get the award for most grumpy looking hiker!  I headed deeper down the trail.  Less worried about homeless people, now worried about coming across a bear.  Certainly I would see one, it would kill me in a slow bloody way-- and I would meet my end this very day.

But, no, I was just met with the beautiful green of the trees and sounds of birds singing.  I was starting to lighten up a bit more-- but still very cautious. 

Before I knew it I was at a fork in the road.  The very clear sign directed me to go right to continue to Annapolis rock.  By now I had been walking for about 10-15 min.  I stopped to catch my breath, let my mind catch up and process everything.  I had just set my water bottle down so I could take some pictures when here comes the hiker I had seen before.  In what looked like full long term hiking gear.  He trudged by me with his hiking sticks, looking in his late 40's early 50's-- black dragon tattoo on his left bicep looking tired but determined.  I quietly said "hello", he said "hello-- it turned out to be a great day", he said, "not too cold not too hot"-- I agreed and to his back I said" I was expecting it to rain but it turned out to be a great day."-- "Yea" he called back.   In that moment I totally decided he was a great friendly guy and for a split second I thought I might ask him if I could hike with him for a while but I could tell I would slow him down, so I let him go ahead of me.  I followed him, keeping him in sight.  He was comforting -- knowing he was there I felt a bit safer. 

I scrambled behind him a bit, but he was a fast devil-- clearly a pro.  My heart was pounding when I stopped to rest-- knowing I had gone as far as I felt comfortable I considered turning around.  I watched him disappear around the corner and never saw him again. 

I looked up the hill and knew it would only keep going up.  I didn't want to push myself too far this first time out- or risk hurting myself.  So, I decided to turn around.  If I wasn't so scared( and if I didn't have to pee so bad) I probably would've kept going.  I had gone nearly 40 minutes with a small backpack so I was definitely pushing myself.  I decided to turn around and vow to finish this trail after I had done some training. 

The walk back was a bit more relaxing-- the trail is rocky and I don't know if this is common or not- but it was quite challenging to me-- even just for the rocks.  I enjoyed the hike back and took in more of the beauty.  I came across another hiker-- tall guy late 20's early 30's with a hoodie sweatshirt on.  I didn't notice him carrying a pack or even a water bottle, so I was feeling good about myself that I had at least more smarts than this guy.  When I could hear the traffic grow louder I was a bit bummed to go back into the real world.  I felt good and strong.  Proud and tired. 

I made it back to the original sign and found some pretty flowers to take a celebratory selfie with!

All in all I think I walked a mile and a half-- maybe more-- probably closer to 2 miles which meant that I was so close to being at the top.  I was happy and proud but I was also a little disappointed that I think I was ALMOST there and I didn't finish. 

Oh well-- I will another day.  I'll be more prepared and maybe have a friend with me.  I'll be more prepared next time which I'm sure will help me with my anxiety level about the whole thing. 

Next time I go I want to have a better backpack, one of the loudest emergency whistles and it would be great to find one of those devices so that I can pee standing up :) 

I'm having fun with this hiking - and I think I want to give it more of my time.  Where next??  We'll see!

Until Next Time!