A few more inspiring words from my friend Nimblewill Nomad, as he nears completion of the AT, the 3,000 mile mark of his journey from Newfoundland to Key West:

The evening has turned cold, so I linger by the fire till after dark, alone, as usual. As I stare into the dying embers, I'm set to pondering the interesting and utter difference between what, at times, we might embrace as near reverie, that oft sought after thing called solitude, and what, at other times, we might look upon as no more than the hopelessly despairing pangs of loneliness. I've seen no thru-hikers since Erwin [Tennessee], and only two day hikers today. As expressed in my ditty "Land of the Free," wanderlust can, indeed, deal us a "...cold, lonesome track."

As one who has spent his share of time "out there" alone, I can attest that's it's often a very fine line between the two. Solitude in the wilderness can bring incredible ecstasy. Other times being alone on the trail can bring you to tears.

Guess that's part of why we go. To feel. To see. To be alive and dancing along on that razor's edge of emotions.