Mountain People: Cheryl [Ragged Mountain, Camden Hills, Maine 4.11.2021]

How long have you been hiking?
About three years, I started in 2018, [it was] a lifelong dream.

Did you start in this area [Camden Hills]?
Between here and Bridgeton [Maine]. Pleasant Mountain in Bridgeton. And then I’ve come here many times and have been introduced to many of the trails by other hiking friends. It's fairly close to home and I love it up here. 

If hiking was a lifelong dream, what kept you from it earlier?
Some family issues kept me from doing it. But I reached a certain point in my life where I was wondering "what am I waiting for?" so I just decided to go buy some equipment and go do it. . . because none of us know how long we’re going to be here, none of us know how long we’re going to be on the planet. 

And how does it feel now that you're doing it?
Amazing, absolutely amazing. This is my salvation, this is my church. It's where I find peace. I'm really glad to be out here.  

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