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188.2
That’s how many miles I’ve walked on the Appalachian Trail. Putting one foot in front of the other has carried me 188.2 miles through the rocky and root filled Maine terrain. One foot in front of the other carried me up to the tippy top of mountain peaks, and then back down to the giant lakes. One foot in front of the other allowed me to meet the most amazing trail family (White Girl, Lavender, Honey Bun, and Peter). And one foot in front of the other is how I’m going to continue my journey.
My trail family. The Intrepid 5.
June 1, 2016. Katahdin was a dream come true. It was the most difficult climb I’ve ever done, but every step was worth it. 2 miles of intense incline and 3 miles of bouldering rocks the size of cars… Insanity.
Mount Katahdin. 2,189.1 miles to go.
June 2-11, 2016
The 100 Mile Wilderness was incredibly difficult coming off of Katahdin. There was not a day that my body didn’t hurt.. But I had an amazing support system of a trail family to keep my going.
Smiles even through the pain.
June 12, 2016. A zero day at Shaw’s Hostel in Monson, ME. Running water. A bed. FOOOOD.
And I watched the Penguins win the Stanley Cup!!!! LETS GO PENS!
June 13-17, 2016. Climbing mountain after mountain. After mountain. After mountain. Fording lake after lake. But. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
June 18, 2016. The day I contemplated the Q word. My lowest day on the trail thus far. I felt so lonely and down. I called my mommy hysterically crying. I was speechless. And then an amazing trail angel invited 7 of us into his home for a free place to stay, a shower, and laundry. They say “the trail provides” and they are completely correct. A man named Toshiro might be the reason I keep walking. His kind heart and warm spirit will forever resonate with me.
Our trail angel.
June 19, 2016. A zero day at the Stratton Motel in Stratton, ME. My trail family is moving onward, but I need to stay behind and rest up. Zero days are necessary. Just sometimes hard to swallow.
See you on down the trail. I love you, fam.
188.2 miles of smiles, tears, blood, and sweat. Miles of laughter. Miles of kindness from strangers. Miles of strangers becoming my best friends. Miles of pushing my limits. Miles of pain. Miles of just the beginning of an incredible journey.
Thank you all for your support. Pringles.
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Comments 2
I’m so proud of you.
My son Zach is with you! Give him a hug for me!