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Before The Trail – Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail
I had starting gathering pieces of equipment a few months ago. Also upping the game from walking and hiking to strength training and stair stepping at the gym. Next was the big decision on the size of my pack. For me, the arrival of my Pack was a turning point from planning to reality! The “Before the Trail” of my 2025 thru hiking of the Appalachian Trail with my daughter is well underway. I am creating new and exciting memories already, and smiling along the way!
My Pack!
With my pack in hand, so many memories of childhood came back to me. The favorite ones were annually hiking, camping, canoeing in northern Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness with my family. The packs were heavy then. I am appreciating how much lighter everything in my pack is today. My past experience with balancing and loading the weight of the pack is becoming an asset for this adventure.
So much motivation has been created with my pack being filled. Excited in my preparations for the trail, it has been easier to get outside on snow covered trails to give my pack a whirl! Short trails thru Fort Lincoln State Park in Mandan ND climbing up to the hills to the Forts along the Missouri River. Several loops on the Ousel Falls trail in Big Sky MT to enjoy the sights and sounds of the ice covered water falls. My Pack is around 23 pounds when weighed without food or water. The weight in ounces of every item is being carefully considered. I am already deciding some of the items are not needed now, and may be considered for possible resupply packages later.
My Retiring!
I have worked with drinking water since graduating from college in the early 1990s. My career has included working with tribal drinking water systems in North and South Dakota. Assisting with water supply and flood protection projects across North Dakota. And most recently leading the drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater activities in the city of Bismarck, North Dakota. In six weeks I will be a retired Public Works Director.
I have been a serious professional engineer throughout my career. Feeling the responsibility on my shoulders of providing safe reliable drinking water to my community. Properly collecting and treating wastewater. Reducing the risk and damage from flooding. Working with and leading an amazing crew who provide these services to our area.
I am ready to transition to a new adventure. One that can help me move into a new stage in my life and let go of being so serious. 🙂 I am already learning to smile more and practice mindfulness.
My Blog!
I want to share my Appalachian Trail journey with my friends and family and my new friends gained along the way. I also want to share encouragement with you to pursue your adventures. Life is short, and you are really never too old to take on a new adventure! So make a plan, and get on a trail near you today! Or go across the country to find something new to explore! Thanks for stopping by to read my blog. Peace to you and your family.
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Comments 9
So happy for you on your retirement and plans to begin this new phase on the AT! And so happy to see someone closer to my age doing this. Best of luck.
This is 100% on my bucket list. I have been doing weekend trips to the A/T since I was 4yo I’m now 42 my last baby is now 13 so 5 more years I will be attempting a through hike GA-MA .. Goodluck with your hike hipe you have a great time meet great people & safe travels through. When you get to the PA region if you need any supplies I would be glad to meet at a shelter for a good meal & supplies . Me and my sons 13/15 usually do a few weekend trips every year 😊
Matty, This is awesome! Having the AT in your backyard must be amazing. After the kids head out for their own adventures is a great time to plan yours as well. We rebuilt our deck. I think hiking would be a much more fun. 🙂
Thanks Sue! Hope you are able to get on some trails near you!
I’ve hiked the Penn/MD/Va sections many times as a youth and later as scout leader. Always wanted to thru hike from Georgia.
William, So fortunate to be able to hike these sections! Hope you are motivated to get another hike in soon.
Mic, I LOVED this line! “Life is short, and you are really never too old to take on a new adventure! So make a plan, and get on a trail near you today!” So inspiring. Can’t wait to read all about your next big adventure!
Mic, congrats on your retirement!! I’m right there with you – excited to have the time and energy to tackle the trail this year. I hope we bump into each other at some point.
Looking forward to following along – congrats on your retirement! Hope to meet you on trail sometime this year!