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