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To my knowledge, there was only one other solo female thru hiker in 1975 when I made my thru hike attempt. The other “girl” was Janice Balza, 22, of Madison, Wisconsin.
I was a few weeks behind her but people mentioned there was “another girl alone” on the Trail. I had a few uneasy encounters with people I met on the AT, but nothing truly threatening. For Janice, The Trail was fatal.
Murder on the AT
In April, 1975, Janice Balza was murdered at Vandeventer shelter by someone who coveted her pack.
Just the year before, May 1974, Joel Polsom of Hartsville, South Carolina was killed at Low Gap shelter, GA.
Hearing of Joel’s death was disquieting, but Janice’s death felt personal. I spent a lot of time trying to talk myself out of the fear that rode in my gut as I marched toward Katahdin. The closer I got to the Watauga Lake area where Janice was killed, the more my dread grew.
Flipping to Harpers Ferry
Shortly before I reached the place of her murder, I met Ed Garvey, the most famous hiker of the time. When learning of my late start, he suggested I flip to Harpers Ferry, summit Katahdin before it closed, and then come back Virginia in the fall. He didn’t know of my dread, only my late start. It was a good plan, and it allowed me to skip Vandeventer Shelter.
Twenty yeas later, I lived near Watauga Lake, but avoided going near it. The dread never dislodged from my gut.
How Can I Pass Vandeventer Shelter?
When I decided to recommence my hike, I had to face my 50 year old shadow. I knew where I had to start: Vandeventer Shelter.
A little internet research confirmed that my memory of the murder was correct. Fifty years of trail legend added that Janice haunted the shelter.
The old dread rose up and I could not imagine how to walk through the area. With the dread rose compassion.
Compassion for Janice, who like me, half a decade ago, dreamed of Katahdin. Janice would have no second chance like I have.
The Human Spirit
I don’t know if I believe in ghosts, but I do believe in the strength of the human spirit. How could I not? Hikers draw deeply from that reserve on every hard uphill or dry section, battling pain, wind, heat, cold, and bugs.
If Janice’s spirit was wandering around on the trail, looking for her Katahdin, I wanted her to be able to rest. I know how long 50 years is.
The Blessing of Peace
Conscious of leave no trace, I elected to carry to the Vandeventer Shelter a few white flowers that would disintegrate. I wanted to tell her, in the best way I could, that her hike was worthy and that she could rest.
As I spread the flowers out, the knot in my belly released and I felt peace. I hope Janice was similarly blessed.
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