Dear Friends,
Happy Earth Day. There are too many stories on the Appalachian Trail. Everybody is unique. Hawk is doing sixth AT and is carrying his mom’s ashes with him sixth time again. Rainbow stayed in Pune for three months. Phoenix broke ribs in one year, broke her hand next year and trying Thru hike again like a Phoenix. A couple called BAM (male) and Hero (female) discussed to be on AT on their first date six years ago and here they were within first year of their wedding, raising money for hikingforhunger.org. I can go on and on. The culture of helping others is so strong that it is actually overwhelming and a very nice emotional feeling.
When I started with a backpack on the fourth day, it was pouring at 43F. For me, this was an amazing blessing from the Mother Nature. I also believe in a superstition that when I see something spectacular in nature, I will have incredible year or week. That morning I saw 29 deer. What can I say!
Of course, then this brutal Mother Nature also told me to do my part after getting the blessings. Very sharp 500 ft. climb that morning was tough and beautiful.
It dropped to below 40F with wind-chill of 32 mph yesterday when I was walking. My hands were frozen. I started composing song for lyrics called “shi lagali Ahe” in Marathi, which mean I want to do ‘# 2’. All trees were swinging in agreement that I may not be as good as Taylor Swift or A R Rehman, but I do compose well. Couple of wildflowers whispered in my ears, though, that I need to do better with lyrics.
I had first of many expected falls. I am not supposed to walk straight on the trail when crossing those 18,433 blowdown trees every day. That is because I cannot bend my fully replaced left knee. I am supposed to turn sideways, step left foot across and then cross the right foot. My glasses fell on the ground. Otherwise no harm was done. Now these loosened glasses slide on the nose every 15 min. I adjust them with my middle finger. In this desolate place, it looks like I am showing a middle finger to the Mother Nature. Not true, not true at all! In fact, I am showing middle finger to myself for forgetting the limitation of my left knee.
I have done 53.7 miles in six days. I am climbing on an average 2,400 ft. every day as well. I am not supposed to push too hard according to Hawk, keeping the same rate for next two-three weeks based on Hawk’s advice. I am expected to be fitter then. Of course, everything hurts all the time while walking. However, by every morning, I am recovering well.
Finally, I strongly recommend new hikers to come to Shenandoah national park. It has the variety of possibilities from day hike to various long-distance loops, and easy access to roads and usual city life.
Way to go Dadhi!! 👌👌 Amazing to see you are making excellent progress everyday. Keep moving ahead and keep the spirits high 🤘🤘
Nitin take care and what fantastic Mother Nature’s pictures.
Nice going. Keep safe from falls
Mast!
Great going and keep posting, you have been an inspiration to many.
You look more fit today….
Take care of fall… Do not push too much… You will be fitter everyday ….
Instead of middle finger use index finger … 😉
😉😉
you are looking so happy Nitin. can sense how much you are enjoying this adventure . take care and all the best. woohoo. go nitin👍👍
Looking good Nitin. Nice to make new friends along the way.
Amazing. Looking great. Keep it up मित्रा.
Great going Nitin
Nitin
Amazing pictures, stories and your writing.
Good to hear your stories n the way you look at everything in the nature. Great going Nitin. Take care.
Share the lyrics of “शी लागली आहे” ,😀
Jokes apart, but great share. Take care and continue to have fun.
Take care Nitin & enjoy.Mast.
Nitin, Go steady and Enjoy.
Fabulous Nitin !! Take it slow and steady ! I am glad you are well … no more falls !
Sashtang namaskar!!!! You are incredible!!! Keep going, Nitin!!
Nitin,
Beautiful pictures and great write up!!! You are already looking fit now. Keep marching and stay safe.
Keep going, Nitin.
Woods are lovey dark and deep,
……
Great start !!! जरा गाणी लिहणे ,चाली लावणे वगैरे आमच्यासाठी सोड की…. सगळंच तू करायला लागलास तर आम्ही काय करायचं?? ☺️☺️
Keep it up!
Beautiful pics and amazing writing. I am sure you will meet even more crazier people than you on the way. Go Dadhi go…… And do keep sharing your blogs 👍👍
Keep moving carefully 👍
Very nice.
Nitin
Amazing pics and inspirational stories. Thanks for sharing
Sid
Great start! Carry on!
All the Best, Nitin! I am sure the trees and flowers and other wildlife must be smiling when you pass by…
Great going Dadhi! Come back safe. Great pictures!!
You are tough!
Stay strong Dadhi. Wonderful to read your updates😇
Looking good Nitin!!👍😎
In awe of you and other hikers.
I see you now on the map! Enjoying reading your updates. Keep on hoofing.
Great stuff. It’s a treat to read your updates. Be safe.
You look good and so happy. Thank you for sharing beautiful pics of Mother Nature. Keep going and take care.
Thrilling experience!
Can imagine your excitement, Nitin!
Keep going!
Take care!
Waiting for your next post!!👍😀
Wonderful !!!!! Lovely reading your about your experiences. Great !!!!
Awesome start. Enjoy and stay safe!
Great to hear you are doing well and in great spirits. See you in a couple of weeks in NJ.
Great going Nitin!!
Love your spirit and the trail stories. I look forward your next one. keep safe and enjoy.
नितिन भाऊ,
तू जपून टाक पाऊल जरा,
जीवनातल्या मुशाफिरा!
घे कवेत हा मग निसर्ग सारा
तुझेच नभ अन तुझी धरा!
Awesome!!! Take care and stay safe.
So nice to get your updates through Anjali. Gopal and I are sending our wishes and blessings for a safe hike. Take care and Enjoy.
Mother nature has too much on her hands these days Nitin so staying safe responsibilities has come more so to the children (us) 🙂 🙂 … Enjoy the AT … I remember all the trekking days in India and local folks from the villages that we would meet on the way … I know its not the same here but its a very eye opening experience every time.
Good Job Nitin !!!
All the best and so proud of you.
Please be safe.
Dadhi that’s two marathons distance ! Massive! Impressive! Take care of your all things ! All the best !
Way to go Nitin. apprx 54 miles – lot of miles!!! Very proud of your spirit.
Two dadhi’s 👍🏻👍🏻
Best wishes
Awesome updates. Keep it up
Priya
Hey Nitin Dada,
Amazing to read and watch your adventures. Loved the dance :). Good Luck and Keep going!!
Nitin,
Keep up the spirit!
Be careful on the Trek.
Hope to see you in one piece when we meet in Albany area.
Great start
All the best for days to come
I wish I can do such adventure in my life!! Hats off to you Nitin! It must be so refreshing to be in the beautiful surroundings throughout your trail. You are a great inspiration for all of us , I was fortunate to go to Adirondack trek with you, and you are so FUNNY!!! All the very BEST to you , take care, stay safe!
Ooh that little jig of yours says it all!! Keep that up!!👏👏😀
Thanks a lot!