hiking inspiration – Emily Takes a Hike

January 7, 2021January 7, 2021

Zion National Park: Hiking to the Top of Angel’s Landing

This is a story about a hike that almost didn’t happen. My friend, Megan, and I travelled to southern Utah on our way to the north rim of the Grand Canyon, and we passed through Zion National Park. We planned to spend a day or two at Zion, but due to so many factors (mostly COVID, but also toxic bacteria in Virgin River and trail closures due to rock slides), we didn’t expect to do much more than pass through on our way to hike the most remote and difficult trail in the Grand Canyon (more to come on that in my next post). I can’t even remember which trail we’d planned to hike at Zion after our options became so involuntarily limited in the days leading up to our trip, but we were excited nonetheless. Zion National Park is iconic and gorgeous, and even when the must-do trails for first time visitors aren’t an option, I’m sure every hike in this park promises breathtaking views.

Angel’s Landing (center) as viewed from the trailhead

After entering the park, we boarded the shuttle to the now forgotten trail that we intended to hike. If you’re planning to visit Zion, put some advance research into how the shuttle system works, because tickets are limited by design, to protect the park’s fragile ecosystem (always) and to maintain COVID safety protocol (currently). While we were on the shuttle, we overheard someone seated behind us talking about their hike to the top of Angel’s Landing the previous day. This caught our attention, because we thought that the upper portion of this trail was closed due to COVID, based on the park’s website and AllTrails. Angel’s Landing is the most famous trail among countless incredible hiking options at Zion National Park and considered by many to be one of the very best hikes in America. However, climbing the upper section of this trail requires holding onto chains for support while traversing treacherously exposed sections of rocky terrain, hundreds of feet above the bottom of the canyon. Needless to say, social distancing isn’t an option and there’s simply no way to climb to the top without touching the same chains that hundreds of other hands have also recently touched.

After admitting to eavesdropping, Megan and I learned from the other bus passenger that the trail had just reopened a few days earlier and that the park intentionally avoided publicizing the news in hopes that foot traffic on this popular trail would remain light. Angel’s Landing should be on every thrill-seeking hiker’s bucket list, and 2020 has provided resounding evidence that life doesn’t guarantee or owe us anything. After a brief discussion and very little hesitation, Megan and I decided that we could not turn down the opportunity to hike this iconic trail, despite the risks. I’ve been careful and deferential about COVID protocols throughout this pandemic, but honestly, I followed my heart to the top of Angel’s Landing, with hand sanitizer and a mask in tow, and I have absolutely no regrets.

As a native of the Deep South, I’m highly superstitious, not just a little stitious (shoutout to my fellow fans of The Office), and I believe that my lucky cactus shirt played a crucial role in making this hike possible.

Bottom to top, this hike packs in magnificent views. There isn’t a single section of this trail that won’t make your Instagram followers drool with envy, but this hike (and pretty much every other hike) delivers significantly more value than attention on social media. It’s an experience, and one so unique that photos and videos can’t adequately document the journey to the top of this monolith. The impact of this hike goes so far beyond visual appeal, and as vivid as the views will remain in my memory, the emotions and the adrenaline rush are what I’ll always value most from this epic adventure.

The five-mile (roundtrip) hike to the top of Angel’s Landing begins at the Grotto trailhead, located across the road from shuttle stop 6. Before embarking on this journey, hikers can and should take advantage of the bathroom facilities and water station near the shuttle stop. From the trailhead, this hike follows a paved trail with a steady but moderate incline for about a mile on the approach to the first set of switchbacks. This is where the trail really begins to climb at a steeper grade, offering sweeping views of the valley below. After the first set of switchbacks, the trail flattens for about half a mile and moves in a straight line along a creek that flows through a narrow gap between towering red rock walls. After about a mile and a half of hiking, we reached the bottom of a brutally steep set of 21 switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles. The Wiggles are affectionately named after Zion National Park’s first superintendent, Walter Ruesch, who built these switchbacks into the side of the mountain in 1926.

Megan and I didn’t take any photos on the Wiggles because we were so focused on the climb, but here’s a photo from the first set of switchbacks. The trail was steep, but the views were spectacular.

From an endurance standpoint, the Wiggles are arguably the most challenging part of this hike, but overall, the most difficult part of the journey doesn’t begin until you reach the chains. At the top of the Wiggles, there’s a beautiful overlook (and “emergency-only” toilets, whatever that means), and the route along the chains to the summit of Angel’s Landing finally comes into view. Many hikers choose not to continue beyond the overlook, as this final section certainly isn’t for everyone. It’s an intimidating sight, and in practice, this climb is every bit as steep and perilous as it looks. The trail is usually too narrow to accommodate two-way traffic, which can be problematic due to the volume of hikers you’re sure to encounter here, even during a global pandemic. One slip or misstep could send you, and potentially others around you, tumbling to a certain death at the bottom of the canyon. We hiked this trail at 9 AM on a Tuesday in late September, when the park allegedly wasn’t advertising that the upper section of the trail had reopened, and the place was still dangerously crowded. Stopping to let someone approaching from the opposite direction pass just isn’t an option along many of the climb’s narrow stretches, so it’s crucial to stay aware of your surroundings and be considerate of other hikers. When the trail is busy, expect to spend most of your time on this part of the hike waiting on others.

After reaching the top, it’s easy to see what all the fuss is about. The stunning 360 degree views from the summit of Angel’s Landing certainly justify the heart-pounding anxiety of getting there. Many words come to mind that could describe how I felt when we finally reached the top, but the one that resonates the most is triumphant. Also, the summit is shockingly flat and spacious compared to the trail, so there’s plenty of room to socially distance yourself from the swarms of other hikers. We lingered for a while, taking photos from every angle despite knowing that we’d never really be able to capture this place accurately and comprehensively enough to demonstrate its immense beauty.

The views from the top of Angel’s Landing are truly (forgive the pun, I’m completely shameless) heavenly.

On the descent, we passed even more hikers than we’d seen on the journey to the top. This made me feel uneasy, not necessarily because of COVID, but because some of the hikers we passed were behaving recklessly and with little concern for the potential impact of their actions on others. While I’d recommend this hike to anyone (anyone without a fear of heights, that is) visiting Zion National Park, I’d advise starting earlier than we did or going later in the afternoon. Hopefully, the park will eventually implement a permit system to limit the risk of accidents due to overcrowding on this trail. Reportedly, at least 15 people have fallen to their deaths while hiking at Angel’s Landing, but there’s no way to know if any of those accidents could have been prevented by limiting the number of hikers allowed on the trail per day. Additionally, this unique and fragile landscape would surely benefit from lighter and more precisely managed foot traffic. Regardless, I’m grateful for chatty strangers on buses and spontaneous friends who share my appetite for adventure.

The upper section of the trail includes about half a mile of this, and it’s absolutely worth the anxiety.

BONUS: If y’all have been following along, you know I love a short, easy sunset hike. On the evening before our epic ascent to the top of Angel’s Landing, Megan and I squeezed in a stunning hike along the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail. It’s only a mile (roundtrip) and absolutely manageable for hikers of all ages and skill levels. The views from the overlook are magnificent, and there’s no shuttle pass required for this hike. Parking at the trailhead is very limited, so you’ll likely have to park on the side of the road and walk a quarter of a mile or so to the trailhead. However, the views are unbelievable, especially considering the minimal amount of effort required to reach the overlook.

Megan, enjoying the final moments of a glorious sunset from the Zion Canyon Overlook

August 31, 2020August 31, 2020

Atlanta Hiking Trails: Arabia Mountain

Like so many other words, travel has adopted a different meaning in 2020. When the year began, I had so many big plans for the places I’d go and the hikes I’d take throughout the year. My husband and I were going to New Zealand for our honeymoon. My friends and I were going to Yosemite to hike to the top of Half Dome. I felt certain that I’d be able to squeeze in another fourteener in Colorado somewhere in between. It all felt so realistic, until it just didn’t any more. The losses and disappointments that I’ve faced due to COVID-19 are so small and insignificant compared to what many others have experienced and will continue to endure. I repeat that sentence to myself daily, over and over. It drives my decision making process now, in this “new normal”. I’ve re-evaluated how I define travel. I’m seeking normalcy and closeness to the ones I love over the desire to escape my routine and flee to somewhere unfamiliar and exotic. I’m embracing this as an opportunity to focus on my roots instead of my branches, for the first time in years, and it feels really refreshing.

In late June, my friend moved into a new home with her new fiancé in Atlanta, and I eagerly volunteered to help them move. As much as I love Nashville, I was desperate for a change of scenery, but more importantly, I missed my friend. In-person time with loved ones can’t be taken for granted these days, and a few hours of free labor seemed like a small price to pay in exchange for an overdue weekend with my bestie.

sweaty selfie from the top of Arabia Mountain in Georgia

I’d planned to hike on Sunday on my way out of Atlanta. My friend wasn’t able to join, because she needed to be present in her new home to unpack and patiently wait on the cable guy to show up at an unspecified time during an eight hour window. We’ve all been there. I’d originally pointed my hiking boots in the direction of Blood Mountain, a difficult trail in the northeast corner of Georgia. However, after a Saturday night filled with celebratory margaritas after the move, I wasn’t feeling quite as ambitious when I woke up on Sunday morning. We’ve all been there, too. Instead, I changed course and headed towards Arabia Mountain State Park, located about an hour southeast of Atlanta.

I hiked a mild four-mile loop that included a combination of the Arabia Mountain, Klondike, and Forest trails. Despite its imposing name, Arabia Mountain isn’t much of a mountain at all. With a summit of 955 feet, this mountain resembles a concrete hill with sporadic cactus patches. The scenery along this loop is unusual, to say the least. The smooth texture and swirling color of the immense and unusual rock area around this trail create a dizzying effect, especially in the sweltering heat of Georgia in late June.

one of the rock outcroppings along the loop trail, covered with a marble-like pattern on a smooth rock surface

I traveled counterclockwise, and I reluctantly admit that I had trouble following the loop that AllTrails recommended. Initially, I tried to hike the loop clockwise, but I could not find the turn-off at 0.25 miles that leads up to the summit of Arabia Mountain. At the time. I turned around and decided to hike in the other direction, hoping that the route would be more straightforward from the other direction. It was, but due to many overlapping trails in the park, I still relied heavily on AllTrails to ensure I stayed on my intended course. The loop includes some paved sections and a short boardwalk that runs parallel to a two-lane road on one side and Arabia Mountain on the other, covering a swampy drainage area that was unfortunately strewn with discarded trash. However, most of the trail covered dusty and rocky terrain, including a couple of massive and smooth rock outcroppings that resembled an undulating pattern of color on an unwavering surface.

views of the unique terrain below the top of Arabia Mountain

The area’s kaleidoscope-like terrain isn’t the only feature that makes this trail feel more like a stroll down a carnival boulevard than a hike in central Georgia. The remains of forgotten buildings and bridges, graffitied and rotting beneath a relentless summer sun, give the landscape an eerie, post-apocalyptic vibe. Many of these structures are easily accessible from the trail, tempting curious hikers to explore the overgrown walls and speculate about the history that’s been diminished by the elements over time.

Although cairns steer hikers in the general direction of Arabia Mountain’s summit, there’s no trail on the approach to the top. There’s no shade either. Admittedly, the views from the summit felt underwhelming. In my humble opinion, the mysterious sights along the rest of the trail offered more intrigue and whimsy. But if you’re visiting Arabia Mountain State Park, hiking to the summit feels like an obligatory part of the experience.

The rock outcroppings contained hundreds of sporadic patches of purple cactus flowers.

After descending from the summit and returning to the merciful shade of the Georgia pines along the trail, I approached an iron gate that separated the trail from an intersecting two-lane road. I then realized why I’d missed the turn off in my initial attempt to hike the trail clockwise. The section of trail I’d just traversed ends at the gate, and hikers must cross the road on foot (looking both ways before doing so, obviously), in order to access the trail again on the other side. It’s much easier to spot from this perspective, and because of this, I recommend hiking the loop counterclockwise.

Ultimately, this hike surprised me. I didn’t expect the uniqueness of the landscape, but I also didn’t expect the litter that’s often characteristic of sections of trail that run alongside highways. I’d still like to hike to the summit of Blood Mountain, just not in the wake of margaritas. However, this provided a surprising and alluring alternative that I’d have overlooked otherwise. This is the beauty of my journey to hike a new trail every month. Preparation and research are only as good as the circumstances that allow them to be realistic parameters. When plans fail, give the unexpected a chance to be worthwhile and memorable.

ruins of an unknown concrete structure along the trail

the remains of a bridge that once extended across Arabia Lake

what’s left of a dam that formed the southern border of Arabia Lake

February 26, 2020April 2, 2020

Waterfalls of South Cumberland State Park: Greeter Falls

Just when I thought I’d already seen the very best of the many magnificent waterfalls along the Cumberland Plateau, I hiked the Greeter Falls loop. Slowly but surely, I’m making progress toward my goal of hiking every inch of trail in South Cumberland State Park. I’ve hiked about 30 unique miles here so far, but I’ve got at least 60 more to go. This is my local hiking passion project. Not many people outside of Tennessee and its neighboring states have heard of South Cumberland State Park. It’s often unfairly overshadowed by the state’s other incredible hiking destinations, like Big South Fork and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Both of those places are exquisite in their own ways, but there’s a much more secluded and intimate gem located less than two hours outside of Nashville. South Cumberland State Park is home to several of the state’s best hikes that you’ve never heard of (also Fiery Gizzard, which deserves its status as a household name, but it’s much more heavily trafficked than several equally gorgeous trails in the area). In addition to Fiery Gizzard, I’d hiked Big Creek Gulf and Buggytop Cave before I hiked Greeter Falls in December 2019, my last new hike of the decade.

Greeter Falls (lower) on Christmas Eve, with a rainbow reflection to the right of the falls

Completing my 2019 New Year’s Resolution with a waterfall hike at South Cumberland State Park felt like an appropriate move, so on Christmas Eve, I woke up with Christmas morning energy levels and hit the trail. I hiked a mild two-mile loop that included a spur trail to Blue Hole, a beautiful swimming hole along Firescald Creek. I definitely wasn’t jumping into any creeks in late December, but the area was pleasant and worth the short detour. The water was moving pretty quickly, likely due to recent heavy rains. Even if it’d been a hot summer day, I’d have been skeptical about swimming at Blue Hole based on the current I observed, and more importantly, its precarious proximity to the top of Greeter Falls. Water levels are usually lower in the summer months, however, and this sparkling creek certainly would have seemed more inviting under different circumstances. I was lucky enough to be alone at Blue Hole, but I’m sure the scene is much less pristine and quiet on a hot Saturday in August.

Back on the main trail to Greeter Falls, my solitude continued. Throughout my hike, I only encountered one other group, a father and two relatively young children. The trail to Greeter Falls, including the spur to Blue Hole, wouldn’t present much of a challenge for young or inexperienced hikers. It’s one of those hikes where minimal effort offers maximum reward. If you’re looking for a longer hike or more of a challenge, the trail continues beyond Greeter Falls, and after a mile or so, it connects with the Big Creek Gulf and Big Creek Rim trails at the Alum Gap campground. I’ve hiked the rugged eight-mile loop that these two trails form, but from the access point at Stone Door, on the opposite end of the loop from Alum Gap (If you’re interested, you can read about that hike here).

a throwback photo from my hike at Big Creek Gulf in August, 2018

I wasn’t looking for a long and solitary journey into the wild on Christmas Eve, and I couldn’t have been happier with the gorgeous views packed into this short hike. Greeter Falls is actually a set of two concurrent waterfalls, and while both are gorgeous, the lower of the two falls certainly outshines its upper counterpart. A spur off the main trail provides access to both, and there’s a sign that provides clear and foolproof directions. The trail to the upper falls is fairly easy, descending mildly over a rocky path before the trees open up and offer an expansive view of a broad, angular waterfall behind an oddly placed, massive boulder. I can’t imagine how the boulder got there. It’s much too large to have been placed by anything but nature, but it appears so out of context among its surroundings and obscures a huge section of the waterfall. It looks completely unnatural, but there’s no other explanation for its placement. In a way, sights like this one make me appreciate the randomness of nature. Sure, the views would be more photo friendly without this massive boulder in front of the falls, but I’d have plenty of unobstructed views of the lower section of Greeter Falls in my immediate future.

the upper section of Greeter Falls, mostly obscured by a boulder as big as an RV

I started moving back from the upper falls towards the split in the trail that leads down to the lower falls. Almost immediately after the split, the trail steadily descends along the bottom of a high rock wall over loose rubble before abruptly ending at an iron staircase. The staircase spirals tightly down the side of a nearly vertical rock wall and then connects with two more iron stair cases that lead down to the edge of the brilliant blue waters below Greeter Falls. The lower section is much taller than its upper counterpart and flows with much more force, creating an impressively beautiful scene when viewed from below. It appears as if the mighty waters carved out part of the cliffs over time, creating a bowl beneath, as indicated by the pattern of horizontal impressions running along the curved cliff walls surrounding the falls. The water was high and cold when I visited, so I couldn’t get closer to the falls than the outcropping of rocks at the bottom of the staircase. I’d imagine that these waters are safe for swimming on warmer days and would provide a sublime reprieve from the intense heat of Tennessee summers.

After ascending the iron staircase and returning to the main trail, I ventured onward to Boardtree Falls, a small but lovely waterfall accessible via a short, but very steep, spur. I mean no disrespect, but Boardtree Falls doesn’t compare to Greeter Falls. However, it’s an easy and worthwhile detour, and I’m all for maximizing my time on any trail by taking every spur available, as long as time and conditions allow for it. I considered hiking the extra 2 miles roundtrip to Alum Gap, to take in some views overlooking the expansive gulf. I ultimately decided against it and returned to the trailhead, choosing the road home to Christmas Eve with my husband and the dog instead. All things considered, I can’t imagine a better finish to two years of hiking a new trail every month, and I’m so excited to share my tales from the trails in 2020. Things are off to an amazing start, and I know they’ll only get better from here.

Boardtree Falls, a hidden waterfall just beyond Greeter Falls, provided an unexpected bonus on my Christmas Eve hike.

all smiles as I completed my 2019 New Year’s Resolution to hike a new trail every month, and Greeter Falls felt like a cherry on top of a spectacular year in the wild

June 28, 2019

South Lake Tahoe: Eagle Lake Trail

Hiking and bachelorette party don’t often end up in the same sentence. If I drew a Venn diagram and asked the next hundred people I saw to tell me the first word that came to mind when they thought of each activity, I doubt there’d be any overlap in responses. Maybe “wild”, but that word would probably carry different implications depending on the event it’s associated with. I’ve been to about a dozen bachelorette parties, and I think the most crucial element to a successful one is creating an experience that celebrates each unique bride in a way that’s special to her, without compromising the rest of the group’s potential to have a good time. Easy, right? Just kidding, obviously. All ladies of a certain age know how much work (and time, money, coordination, etc.) goes into this, and as the time for my own bachelorette party approached, my friends prepared a more incredible weekend than I could have ever imagined. Because they know and love me so well, those plans included a hike. I’m not surprised that this amazing group of women created the perfect celebration for me, because they inspire me constantly just by being themselves, but that bachelorette party just gives me one more reason to love every one of them.

my friends and I at Vista Point off the main trail (from left to right, bottom row: Elizabeth, Morgan, me; top row: Megan, Katie, Lexi, Shellie)

Lake Tahoe is loaded with gorgeous trails and breathtaking scenery, but realistically, we knew we’d only have time for one hike. To maximize our hiking experience and still allow time for the other activities we had planned, we narrowed down our pool of options to those relatively close to South Lake Tahoe, where we were staying, and short-ish trails that we could complete in half a day or less. Naturally, we also wanted to find a trail with a reputation for expansive views of the lake and the mountains. Considering all of these criteria, we decided to hike Eagle Lake Trail, a popular two-mile out-and-back trail located in Desolation Wilderness, about a twenty-minute drive from South Lake Tahoe.

We left our cabin around 9:30, ascending along a winding road that provided stunning views of the scenery around us. Acutely aware of the road’s sharp curves and its very close proximity to the high, jagged edge of a mountain, we drove with caution, slowing down enough to ensure our safety while taking in the magnificent views. As we approached the trailhead, we quickly realized that parking was going to be a challenge. None of us had been to this trail before, and although we expected a crowd, we didn’t expect to spend nearly half an hour searching for a place to park. Then again, it was mid-morning on a gorgeous Saturday. Relieved to have found a spot on the side of the road, we piled out of the car and headed toward the trailhead.

panoramic view of Emerald Bay, an alcove of Lake Tahoe, from a scenic overlook close to Eagle Lake trailhead

Across the road from the Eagle Lake trailhead, a short path leads to a scenic overlook at the top of a beautiful waterfall, Eagle Falls. Before we embarked on the trail, we decided to take a detour to explore this area, and we definitely didn’t regret it. The overlook is spacious and easily accessible for visitors of all ages and ability levels, with many ideal spots for taking photos. Looking east, we could see for miles and miles across Emerald Bay, on the southwest corner of Lake Tahoe. Beyond that, the mountains of the Sierra Nevada surrounding the lake towered above the horizon, their peaks still covered in snow in early May. While there’s no trail from this point that leads down to the bottom of Eagle Falls, the water was shallow and flowing lightly enough in places to allow us to walk across boulders for a close-up view of the cascades from above.

Megan and Elizabeth near the top of Eagle Falls, at the overlook across the street from Eagle Lake Trail

After we’d captured all the photos at the overlook that our hearts desired, we made our way across the road and uphill through the still-packed parking lot to the Eagle Lake trailhead. At an elevation of over 6,500 feet, the area surrounding us still displayed many patches of snow and ice. We expected to have to navigate through this while on the trail and were uncertain about whether or not we’d be able to hike all the way to Eagle Lake. Recent reviews on AllTrails indicated that the final section of the trail would be impassable without proper gear for hiking through ice and snow, but we proceeded with optimism since the pretty white patches on the ground were shrinking more and more with each passing day. Candidly, the views from the overlook were some of the best that we saw all weekend, and even if Eagle Lake trail had been entirely closed, those views would have been well worth the drive up the mountain.

Eagle Lake Trail offers many breathtaking views like this one, and while thinning patches of snow still cover the ground in early May, the temperatures are mild and pleasant

The first section of the trail includes a half-mile loop with several short spurs. As the trail moves over the mountainous landscape, scattered clusters of large evergreen trees dominate the area. Unlike the dense forests that I hike through at home in Tennessee, however, the trees are sparse enough to leave large sections of the trail exposed, which gave us plentiful views of the snow-capped peaks above us and Lake Tahoe below. Although we did cross a few unavoidable snowy patches on the trail, most of snow around the loop section had melted. Overall, the terrain was moderate and under good conditions, the trail would be suitable for hikers at any skill level, even kids. Although I believe that challenging hikes are generally more rewarding, there are certainly exceptions. Eagle Lake Trail offers beautiful views for minimal effort, and I love the opportunity that trails like this present to those who don’t have the time, desire, or ability to endure a more challenging hike. It’s nature’s manifestation of having your cake and eating it too.

We hiked all of the spur trails that we encountered (I think there were three of them), each leading to a magnificent vista overlooking our surroundings. None of the spurs presented a detour of more than a quarter of a mile round trip, so again, minimal effort to achieve high reward. Unfortunately, we were unable to hike out to Eagle Lake, due to impassable snow and ice on the ground beyond the bridge over Eagle Creek, just as the AllTrails reviews had suggested. On the bright side, this allowed plenty of time to stop often and enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace. In total, I think we covered about a mile of distance, making this one of the shortest new hiking experiences I’ve had on this journey yet. What this one lacked in distance, however, was repaid a hundred times over in magnificent views and most importantly, the magnificent friends I shared them with.

Elizabeth, Shellie, and me on the bridge over Eagle Creek

In the wake of a perfect weekend with my favorite ladies, I’ve spent a significant amount of time reflecting on my relationships with others, past and present. I’ve come to realize that there’s a long list of people who’ve significantly impacted my life, for better or for worse. Conversely, my actions have impacted the lives of others too. I’d like to think I’ve made some better, and I’m certain I’ve made some worse. Relationships are complicated like that. I can only hope that the positive influences in my life, like these women, continue to inspire me to be better, stronger, braver, and more loyal in all of my relationships, with people and with the wild places I’ve grown to love so much. An unquenchable thirst for adventure motivates me to explore as often as I can, but I wouldn’t really be able to appreciate these experiences if I didn’t have the love and support of family and friends who teach me how to live with maximum intent and minimal limits.

This one’s not from our hike, but it’s too cute to not share. After our hike, we went to a lakefront resort for lunch, cocktails, and relaxation with a view. (Lexi, me, Katie)

I usually try to avoid using the words of others to tell my stories, but in this case, it feels appropriate to close this post with a quote from my favorite nature-loving transcendentalist, Walt Whitman: “I no doubt deserved my enemies, but I don’t believe I deserved my friends”.

Amen, Walt. Amen.