Expect the Unexpected

Due to inclement weather in Georgia my flight got cancelled. United was great about sending out messages ahead of time and thus I wasn’t stranded in the airport. (Although with my sleeping bag and pad I would have made out great!) I now have a rescheduled flight out a few days later (March 1^st).

Although slightly bummed, what is three days in the grand scheme of things?!

I am now using these precious days to get to the things I hadn’t. I downloaded some audiobooks and some new songs. I am not sure if, or how frequently I will be listening but figured it was nice to have just in case! I also have been going over my gear-again and again! Do I really need that?

I found it quite interesting to see what others had posted on their blogs pre-AT thus I figured I would take a pic of my gear laid out.  Depending on who you are it may look like I am taking way too much, or asking yourself how that will suffice for 5 months.  Luckily no decisions are set in stone, and I can pick up or send home things as needed.

Many thanks to Tom C. and Mike S. for all of your advice/gear in helping me prepare.  I am greatly appreciative!

Shout out to the rents for being unbelievably supportive - love ya

Depicted:

Back Pack: Hyperlite

Sleeping bag; 800 down fill rated 11degree-( I sleep cold and convinced myself I would carry the extra weight for a warmer bag)

Sleeping pad

Shelter;  Eno hammock - tarp- straps

Stove; MSR pocket rocket

Pot; Snow peak 900 titanium

Rain jacket/ rain pants

Synthetic jacket

Down vest

2 Base layer pants/top (one for hiking one for sleeping)

3 pairs of socks

3 pairs of underwear

2 sports bras

4 days of food

First aid kit

Toilet tree bag

Cards and harmonica (luxury items)

Itouch(camera)

Phone

Charger/cord

Kindle (books for leisure and down loaded AT guide book)

Journal

Crocs ( camp shoes ..b/c I’m fancy)

Trekking poles (duct tape and wire attached)

Aquamira drops

Dr. bronners

Wet ones

Knife

Headlamp

Pcord

Hat

Fleece hat-wool gloves

Water bladder  

....and a few misc.

It’s the final countdown……

Considering I leave in a week, I figured it was a great time to launch my blog! I am embarking on a lifelong dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail.  Some have argued that getting yourself to the trail head at Springer Mountain is half the battle.  First, you have committed to the journey. You have allotted a time frame in your life to make this happen, implying a sacrifice in other aspects of your life. You have spent hours researching gear and ounces. You have read books, and scrolled through previous hiker’s blog entries. You have solicited advice on everything from water treatment, to the concept of drop boxes, to the best trail shoes. You have heard it all:

What is the AT?

Oh so will that take ya like two weeks?

How will you eat?

Are you going to shower?

Why on earth would you want to do that?

Aren’t there crazies out there?

I am appreciative of the curious questions, the words of encouragement, and the support I have received in my preparations.

I know that this journey will be one hell of a ride.  I will be challenged mentally and physically. I will be sore. I will get blisters and lose toe nails. I will be drenched and bug bitten. I will question my decisions and sanity.  I will meet amazing people. I will look out upon awe-inspiring vistas. I will enjoy eating immense amounts of food. I will be filled with a sense of accomplishment.

As I sit here typing my entry with a mega to-do list next to me, I have come to realize and accept that I can only prepare for so much. I welcome the unexpected challenges and rewards. I will be at the trail head, and things will fall into place one step at a time.

I have attempted to plan out a tentative itinerary. This merely serves as a guideline to help me keep numbers in my head and meet friends and family along the way. As I have been well advised: Hike your own hike! I have a strong will to make it to Katahdin, ME but will carry with me self-awareness. I will honor my body and its limits. I will take moments to be with friends, family and to ‘smell the roses.’ I understand that life calls, and that ultimately the man upstairs has a plan for us all.

As I continue North bound, I will make sure to update my where abouts! Whether joining me virtually or on foot, I thank you for your support, love and encouraging words! Here’s to the journey ahead! Carpe Diem