"I'm Going to Hike the Appalachian Trail"

I love this video! Makes me laugh every time. And her answers are so true!

Congrats Banzai!

Well, my AT friend Doug "Banzai" Douma finished his thru hike this morning. I'm so proud of him! I've been following his blog most of the way. Unfortunately, it sounds like he didn't particularly enjoy the thru-hiking experience. I read in one of his posts today, "No one should do this. I’ve been posting some nice pictures on Facebook, but the reality is that those are the few exciting moments. 99.7% of the time hiking the AT is just a long boring miserable walk." Luckily for me, that does nothing to dissuade me from trying a thru hike myself. I'm still incredibly excited, although I know it will be HARD and, at times, pretty miserable. But how many times in your life can you just take off and do something like this? Just be immersed in a totally new culture, set your own agenda (or let the weather set it for you) and just do something out of the ordinary? I can't wait! I hope to be able to finish the whole trail just like Banzai did. Only time will tell if my body and morale can hold out that long. Here's a screenshot of Doug's Facebook post. Congrats, Banzai!

 

A Little Inspiration

I've been collecting quotes to keep me inspired and motivated during the inevitable down times (and there will be many) on the trail. I ordered this custom necklace from Christina Kober Designs. I'm in love with it! The inscription is part of this quote from Dr. Seuss' "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"

You're off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so be on your way.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

When I tell people about my plans to hike the AT, most of them ask me the same questions. I thought I’d compile them here in case you are curious, too.

 

Are you going alone?

No, not technically, although I am going with a “stranger.” I have been talking with people on an Appalachian Trail forum and have actually found several people that were interested in starting the trail with me. One was Doug Douma, a guy my age that lived in Austin. We met up and hiked together a few times, but he decided to hike in 2013 instead so I’ve been following his blog and his Facebook page. I’m hoping to learn a lot from him before I make the journey myself.

I then met a girl through the forum named Nita and we hit it off right away. We were talking about bodily functions on the trail within the first 10 minutes! She lives in Chattanooga and, if all goes according to plan, I’ll meet up with her at the starting point (Springer Mountain in Georgia) and we’ll begin the trail together. I hope to meet tons of new people as I hike. That’s one of the most exciting parts of this adventure! I can’t wait to meet my new “trail family” and, hopefully, make life-long friends.

 

Are you bringing a gun?

Nope. I will have pepper spray just in case. Thousands of people attempt a thru-hike of the trail every year and most of them are going my direction (northbound). Hikers look out for each other and I’m not worried about the need for a gun. If nothing else, every ounce counts and I don’t want to carry anything that I know I won’t need.

 

Are you training?

I work out on a regular basis and recently joined a gym and personal training classes. I plan to get my legs and core in the best shape I can, but from what I’ve heard, hiking the AT is the only real way to get in “trail shape.” Within the first week or two my body should be acclimated to that kind of workout. (Let’s hope so!)

 

How will you eat/where will you sleep?

I will pass through a town every few days where I can stop at grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores to restock my food supplies. I will probably stay in a hotel for a night every week or so to shower and recuperate. Other than that, I will carry several days’ worth of food on my back and will sleep in my tent. I’ll get water from streams and sterilize it using Aqua Mira drops. I’ll get a gear list up here soon so you can see everything I plan on taking.

 

How long will it take?

Hiking the trail takes 4-6 months. I plan to start in mid-March or early-April. I need to finish by October 15 because that’s when they close the end point, Mt. Katahdin, for the season. I want to “take my time” as much as possible and enjoy the scenery, the people, and the places I pass.

 

Are you trying to escape something?

Nope, I just love an adventure.