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Jan 22, 2024 : Delta Appalachian Trail

Fear

I debated, for longer than I care to admit,  about whether I had a fear or fears of leaving this life for the trail. Fears is the answer, obviously, I have a thousand, but so does everyone else stepping foot onto Springer this year. My fears are so countless that they have combined into a singular fear.

The List of Fears

Am I leaving too early?

Am I leaving too late?

Is my pack too heavy?

Sleep system too light?

Will I be able to sleep?

How in the hell am I going to shit in the woods?

Am I too old?

Can I really hike 2000+ miles?

Can my 70 year old father?

The list goes on and on. So yes, I have a thousand fears, but what I fear most is much more singular. I fear, fear. It’s the story of my life. I’ve reacted out of fear for far too long. Not anymore. The trail calls  and I must go.

It’s time for a simpler chapter.

What are your fears on the trail? Tell me in your comments below.

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Delta
Jan 22nd : Delta
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Delta's Bio

What the hell did I agree to? Seriously, who gets a random text from their father a few days before Christmas and decides to change their life completely to go do something they are incredibly ill-prepared for? “Thinking about hiking the Appalachian Trail.” That was the text from my dad, Pauley, exactly 12 seconds before I responded “I’m in.”I’m Joshua Saunders, or Delta, to you hiker trash, and I know nothing. Twenty-nine days ago, I decided to press pause on this so-called life and to start preparing for the massive beast they call the Appalachian Trail. I’m not an avid anything. Not an avid hiker, biker, runner, juggler, or yogi. I haven’t done great things, been on great quests, or changed the world in any way. I’m just an average Josh who wants to tell you a story about a long walk where he tries not to shit his pants.Walk with me, but not too close.

Comments 1

  • Jeff Greene : Jan 23rd

    I’m so happy you said yes to your 70 year old father, and I’d hope I had the guts to say the same to mine, back when that was a possibility. My fear is: Can I really eat horrible backpacking food for days/weeks/months at a time?

    Reply

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