Get in the Appalachian Trail "GA-ME" from Geogia to Maine or voting for a video in their friendly competition

The link https://vimeo.com/256849340 from my ATStory Video Contest by Susanna Opper was my window into the hiking world and learning about Trail Magic.

There's a contest going on so why not take time to see what people have put in an effort to share along the tral..kind of reverse Trail Magic for Civilians so one can feel connected to the beauty and journey that about 3 Million People have taken in part or about 20% who do the whole kit and kaboodle (maybe over time or all at once-it as Through Hikers.)

So tune in soon (before May 14th, 2018 which happens to be my 55th Birthday) to vote Every Day for one or ther other and help one of the ambassadors of the AT (often folks who help maintain it as well, so extra thanks to those handy-dandy folks!)  Today I will be voting for The Silver Scramblers' Trail Magic 7-min post, how about you?

I do want to check others out and see who I also feel is especially noteworthy but They All Deserve a  Hug and a Star upon thar effort. Thanks a bundle for doing your part on the Trail of Life with care and teamwork. Happy Trails!

Since I live near the trail I have been connecting with folks and parts of it via a few times out there in nature (where some rattle snakes roam even in the hills of CT and MA) for much of my life. Do practice social safety as much as possible too, with women particularly hiking with others and even guys having a buddy or two to help them stay on their feet. Another post on my blog here, www.livfully.org explores that more.

I have also shared the legacy of our late teen son Kalean Alexander Palmer Paton who was all about things natural..and whose ashes are also up on Bear Mountain but also in places in Falls Village very near the Falls where he passed trying to save a  friend..(who did make it we are forever grateful from a rope rescue effort by a local from West Cornwall CT). Kaelan's story is one anyone could gain insight from and factor into their life journey as an individual and team player.

Exercise caution as well as skill when having adventures and making plans with friends and responsible adults and others who should have a say in setting appropriate guidelines to keep everyone (even rescue folks) from unnecessary danger. Kaelan's memorial service is on youtube in short segments. I just happened to get up to Great Barrington MA on May 1st, 2018 for some lovely spring celebrations and outdoor luncheons then drove over the bridges on the Housatonic River.

The water there likely was the water that my son actually passed away in as it flowed south to CT over the Falls rather swiftly that fateful day on Tuesday, June 16, 2009. I had been up in that same area that day and then very close to the Falls, but didn't realize Kaelan and his friends had plans to check out the falls and maybe go in if they found a safe spot.

At least a few parents knew that was an option. One realized that was Not a Good Plan and warned others with phone calls to prohibit the teens from going from the local regional high school on their bikes to the falls a mile away. Others thought that would be a way for more teens to join together who had not bonded as much earlier.

Most trusted their kids to 'make good decisions' or be able to monitor one another. There's much more about the details of that time that others could use to craft better safety plans for both adults in charge and legally responsible for monitoring youth and the youth themselves to figure out to keep themselves and their friends safer. Most of the youth are doing well and have gone on to more schooling, jobs and meaningful relationships if not parenting.

Many are still part of the small town scene in the MA/NY CT area where the Appalachian Trail passes through. All of the towns have people who know others from the next town or state over often from over many schooling or work and life experiences. The volunteer rescue folks have helped many whether at home, at the river, on the roads or on the trails and in nature. We can all take extra steps to practice teamwork and communication.

Learning to speak up (and make videos such as offered in part through local cable TV stations and more small group and Facebook efforts) can help everyone feel more connected in meaningful ways. I have been at services for other youth or adults who have passed in accidents, drug overdoses, or more natural causes.

As we face the reality of each of us having a starting time and ending place of our journeys in life, we can offer support and guidance by assisting others. Other efforts by locals and clearly online involve people taking part in a Walk for a A Cause, A Person and Awareness. Camino for Water is bringing awareness to the need for water and safe drinking water.

I have a friend going on that walk abroad..so walking on water or for water is all an option. Doing so with support makes the journey that more miraculous for the one and them many. Thanks for thinking and drinking in good health to these worthy causes to help people and plan-it heart.