A New Kid on the Block..Hiker Intro!

Well hello fellow hiker enthusiasts! I thought I’d introduce myself a little for my first post. I go by Andi, and I am beyond ecstatic to be able to blog about my experiences and everything AT on this site! So let’s get the ball rollin’.

Nature is simply amazing; I can’t get enough. After catching the outdoor bug this past summer from my first real backpacking trip in our most north (and beautiful!) state of Alaska, all I can think about is “when can I get back out there?” I’ll be graduating in December from Purdue University with a degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science. Life’s timing seems to be perfect for this next adventure in the mountainous east coast. Currently, I’m planning on starting out solo sometime in March and hiking north bound (NOBO) to summit Katahdin. I don’t know how to exactly explain it, but it’s not just a trip. Rather, I need to be doing this; to further develop my competence in the backcountry, to discover more of who I’m intended to be, and to exude that childlike wonder we all are keeping hidden inside (more of my reasons, next post, very soon) :).

Backpacking in the Fall=BEST

Oh, so by the way, family, friends, and long lost acquaintances on social media, if ya’ll didn’t know… here’s my announcement. I’m committed and planning to attempt an Appalachian Trail thru-hike this coming Spring. This essentially means I’ll be hiking the 2,189.2 (the point 2 definitely counts!) miles of wilderness, from the state of Georgia to Maine, carrying my home on my back, for about half a year. So… SURPRISE! Haha.

So for those of you who don’t yet know me, here are some “essential” tidbits:

• I love creating photos and can’t wait to snap some beauts on the trail
• I’m an adventurous eater/taste tester (squid anyone?)
• In the front country, my natural habitat is in a coffee, antique, or doughnut shop
• Usually jamming to Switchfoot, Judah and the Lion, or John Mark McMillan
• I rotate between two shoes: my beloved flip-flops and hiking boots
• I’m known to laugh… a lot. At everything. After every sentence. Haha.
• I vouch that peanut butter is the most essential food group
• Flannel is my jam
• And I’m obsessed with maps!

Any questions don’t hesitate to ask! Whether it’s about my life, gear talk, practically anything AT, ect. I think one of the most exciting things for me to look forward to is getting to know all the new faces who share the same passion for adventure. See ya’ll out there soon enough and happy hiking!