Fall 7 Times, Stand up 8

If you happened to read thru my bio, you’ll see that I completed my first thru-hike in 2012 – a Southbound hike of the Appalachian Trail.

What you don’t know is it wasn’t my first attempt.

In 2007 a friend of mine posted on social media that they wanted to hike something called the AT – and did anyone want to come with? I did a little research, read Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods” (probably my favorite hiking book ever TBH), and replied to my friend that I was highly interested.

We met several times to discuss, pour over gear ideas & purchases, and bought plane tickets to Maine.

You can prepare all you like for an epic undertaking, but really you won’t know the depth of the mud you’re stuck in until you’re um, IN it. I had outdoor experience with camping and being in the backcountry – loads of it actually. Once upon a time I was a wilderness canoe guide in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota, and the Provincial Parks in Canada.

But I had never been HIKING.

When my friend and I arrived in Maine after a night’s rest at a trail angel’s/hostel – we were on our way to Baxter State Park – to hike Mount Katahdin. I remember being anxious, excited, and all the things that race thru one’s mind prior to a big undertaking. Before we got out of the trail angel’s truck, he gave us his card with instructions to “call if you need anything – don’t hesitate to reach out.” Absentmindedly I tucked it away as a keepsake for my journal, little realizing I would be needing it. 

We hiked Katahdin that day, having gotten to the Park early with the forecast predicting sunshine. It was a glorious day. I didn’t even mind or experience frustration at the several false summits. We took pictures at the peak and made our way down to camp in the Park. Halfway down the mountain, after trying to match my friend’s downhill pace (this is where I made a grave error – ALWAYS hike at your own pace!) I could tell something was very, very wrong with my left knee. 

When I finally made it to camp, I quickly set up my tent, and passed out.

In the morning, I woke with the realization I couldn’t bend my left knee.

Upon standing and packing up my gear I also discovered I couldn’t bear much weight on it either. Limping, I made it as far as the edge of what is known as the “Hundred Mile Wilderness” where a diabolical wooden sign essentially read: “Death to all who enter here” (well, not actually in those words specifically but you get my drift)

There was a small convenience store with a pay phone that we had just passed. I looked at my friend and made the decision I knew was best for the situation. I wished them luck, said goodbye, pulled out the trail angel’s card, and made a call. After a couple days of rest, icing my knee, and rounds of ibuprofen, I knew my injury was one that would take some time to heal.

I flew home the next day, absolutely devastated. 

Did I go back and hike it 5 years later? And then hike even more trails? You bet your sweet ass I did. 

Never stop exploring. Embrace the suck. I. Believe. In. YOU. kk ily <3