Hi Folks!

If you have found this entry then you have probably already heard my spiel about leaving life for six months to walk from Georgia all the way to Maine. If you’re continuing to read than you’re probably here on purpose and in the right place. I haven’t felt much anxiety or stress in leaving but it’s definitely been a process. Here’s a look into what it takes.

Taking Care of Business

Unlike most people leaving for the A.T., I had to quit two jobs rather than one. My last day of work was February 20th which gave me a two-week decompression period before the trail. I don’t have a sob story about how I’ve been working the same boring job for years and years and finally hit a breaking point making me abandon all aspects of my life. Rather, I am ready for a bigger change in my life than just my career. I’ve been bartending in the Washington D.C. area for about six years now and found myself split between two awesome places; Yard House, very corporate and Echostage, not at all. Although both places have their ups and downs as well as perks and quirks, it is sad to be saying goodbye to so many awesome people that surround me.

Party!

I didn’t want a going away party because I know I’ll be back again but there was a overwhelming demand that one be had. I send a huge thanks and shout out for my friends Chelsea and Pari for planning and throwing me a kick-ass party at their house and a migration to the local watering holes! Thanks to everyone that came out to show me a blast and for those of you who couldn’t make it, thanks for being here with me spiritually as I take on this adventure!

Getting Shit Together

If you haven’t planned to leave your residence for six months while carrying your life on your back then you most likely do not understand the complete importance of my detailed gear list. I have been working on this gear list since October and by now I can tell you how many zipties are in my bag, how much soap I have with me,  and how many days worth of food I have packed. Even though its precise and everything is present and accounted for I can’t tell you how many “emergency” trips I have taken to REI and CVS to pick up that extra nic-nack that I somehow missed. The list also hasn’t stopped me from packing and unpacking then repacking and unpacking my list an absorbent number of times. Each time it makes me feel a little more confident that I didn’t forget anything.

Put it in the Past

First and foremost, I’ll miss my family. I know it’s not easy on them watching me disappear into the woods for six months but they have been nothing but completely supportive and understanding. My dog, Scooter who is currently sick with an infected anal gland and fever (Sorry not sorry for the TMI, you don’t have to rub triple anti-biotic ointment on his butt…). My cat, who probably won’t miss me as much as I miss him. Finally, I’ll miss my friends. 

Departure

I hit the road for Amicalola Falls State Park at about 5A.M. tomorrow with Josh in tow. We’ll be headed to the ATKO at the Amicalola lodge for two days to meet some interesting people and sit in on something interesting lectures. Our thru-hike will officially start the morning of March 7th!

Hakuna Matata and Good Vibes!