Gone Walking…

Six years ago, during the summer I worked as an adventure camp counselor, one of our trips was to the Nantahala Outdoor Center for rafting and a night camping in a shelter on the Appalachian Trail. The next morning we hiked back out the way we came. I remember looking down the trail and thinking about how fun it would be to keep going, without a gaggle of campers to corral. For several years after, hiking the Appalachian Trail was on my long list of “things I’d like to do someday”. I guess it’s time to tell the internet that someday has turned into tomorrow.

Two summers ago, my parents and I did our Rim-to-Rim hike of the Grand Canyon. In July. We survived, and I started thinking more seriously about making my AT hike happen. The clincher for my decision was when my dad asked me what I would think about him hiking, too. Three weeks ago, my dad, now known as ‘Tiger’ on trial, started hiking. I figured I would let him knock down any spider webs and send me back tips and tricks. The plan is for me to slowly catch up to him and then we’ll hike together.

Goodbyes have been the hardest part of this journey so far. A month ago, I left my job in DC, taking some time to organize my move and spend time with the wonderful people who made the last three years in DC some of the best of my life. Then two weeks ago, I drove from DC down to my parents house in South Carolina. I kept prepping and organizing and spent precious time with my family. Time has moved so strangely since these plans have developed into my reality. I almost can’t believe that I’m sitting here on the porch of the Amicalola Falls Lodge, looking out over the rolling green of the North Georgia Mountains.

To my friends, neighbors, former coworkers, and family who have been so encouraging and supportive in the lead up to this adventure, thank you so very much. I will do my best to keep you updated as I go.

P.S. Cross your fingers it doesn’t storm on me ALL day tomorrow. But hey, no pain, no rain, no Maine. 2,192 miles to go…