The Beginning

For over a year now I have been obsessed with hiking the trail. I got to a point in my life where I just needed to get away for a while. So I started planning.

I probably have watched 300 videos from past hikers. I feel like I already know and recognize a large part of the trail. I ordered all the right books, such as The A.T. guide 2015 northbound. I made many lists of equipment, trail food and water and resupply points. I made lists and plans for my credit cards, bank account, health insurance, and car payment.

I drove from Tallahassee Florida to Jacksonville to visit the closest REI store. Several hours with a very knowledgeable sales person who gave me lots of insight into equipment I would need. I came away that day with my first piece of equipment, hiking boots.

So after that I started ordering on-line mostly from REI until I felt I had all the equipment I would need. By February I was ready and set a departure date of April 2. Discussed my plans with my employer and was well received and assured I would have a job when I returned from this great adventure.

The middle

As time got closer a close family member began to have multiple health issues. A couple of Dr. appointments showed there was need for more extensive investigation warranted so appointments were scheduled for April and May. Based on this I changed my departure date to June 2 and would only hike 4 months instead of a thru hike. During all this prep time I was working out regularly and taking 8 to 9 mile hike in the area to I was physically ready.

Decision Time

The April and May appointments were not all that encouraging and appointments now have been scheduled for June.

So having said all that I am now either doing a 4 week trail hike in August or September and doing a thru hike starting next April 2017 or should I just packing it in for this year and spend all my time and energy on planning a thru hike next April 2017.

Don’t know what I will do yet only time will tell. I received a lot of encouraging replies from my last post, You are never too young, so I feel bad that these people who responded to my post were going to follow my journey. A few said they were planning to thru hike next year so maybe they will stay in touch and we can plan to meet up.

For all you on the trail and the ones now beginning have a great journey.