Because Things and Stuff!

Hello!

I’m Lisa, a twenty something Canadian who is a little bit too excited to hike the AT next spring. I’ve been trying to think of what I wanted my first blog post to be about since I got the sweet news about that I’d be joining the Appalachian Trials team. I’ve finally decided I’d like to share my lists. But first here’s a little bit about me. Hiking has always been a big part of my life and while doing a section of the Smokies with 5 other girls in April 2014 I completely fell in love with the AT. I knew I wanted to go back for a longer section but was a little unsure what that would look like. So later that summer I came up with a 5 year plan to hike the AT if circumstances would allow but as per usual my plans changed. My friend Victoria and I talked a lot about the AT together and decided to take on this adventure together in 2016! Since really the circumstances will never be perfect to drop everything and take this hike.

I’m currently spending my summer working with a Leader-in-Training program at Medeba Summer Camp in West Guilford, Ontario. We get to work with groups of around 18 teenagers (15-18 years old) who stay with us for a month (sometimes two). We get to go rock climbing and white water kayaking, and go on some sweet canoe trips. I have to opportunity to teach these teenagers all about leadership, God and themselves. I love it. On Monday, we went on a day solo trip. We hiked along a small section of the Ganaraska Trail (which was even marked with white blazes! So fun!) and dropped them off to reflect on the month by themselves for the day. I truly believe spending that time alone to process an experience is so important to actually learn from it.

SO back to the AT… I started reading Appalachian Trials last fall and finally sat down and wrote down the reasons I want to go on this crazy adventure back in February. Now when people ask me “Now why would you want to do that?” I have a better answer instead of replying with “because things and stuff”. Also I agree 100% that having these lists will increase my chances of actually making it to Maine. So without further ado, here are the things and stuff that makes me want to hike the AT:

 I am thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail because…

Adventure: I want to actively seek adventure in my life and this feels like the next adventure I need to take.

Simplicity: I want to experience the neat simplicity that the trail offers. I need a change of pace and scenery

Timing: I need some time to figure out what to do next. The timing is right to go on this totally epic and amazing adventure!

Me: I want to learn more about myself and what I can accomplish

Creation: I am in constant awe of God’s creation. “I yearn for mountains I haven’t even seen” so I intend to see them

When I successfully thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, I will…

Have the story of a lifetime

Have accomplished something epic, crazy and amazing!

Be more aware of what I want in life

Have reconnected with nature

Have a stronger relationship with my savior

Have an unshakable confidence

See life in a new light

Have a greater appreciation for the simplicity life has to offer

If I give up on the Appalachian Trail I will…

Have a shattered confidence

Not have made the most out of this amazing opportunity

Have spent a lot of time and money to fail

Be ashamed of myself and carry that failure with me for the rest of my life

Likely settle in various aspects of my life

Have let down everyone who believed in me

Failed to lead by example