Howdy Y’all!

This is just a quick introduction while I’m still in the planning stages of this awesome upcoming adventure. If you are reading this post then it’s a safe bet that we have this dream in common. Over the past two months, I’ve watched my fair share of other hikers’ blogs and vlogs. They have been a source of inspiration, especially when fear and self-doubt start to set in. If sharing my own story along the way brings encouragement to You, then it will be a blessing to Me.

A Brief History

I was 18 years old when I discovered that the AT even existed. It never occurred to me at the time that I had it within my power to make this happen for myself. I won’t get into too much detail at this point as to what finally changed to manifest this reality. That’s another story altogether and I’ll cover it over the months to come. For now, I will simply say that 34 years of dreaming are now fueling my efforts with an energy I might have lacked at a much younger age.

Collecting Gear

At this point I’m still collecting my gear and starting to worry about how heavy my pack is getting! Even though I’ve being doing my research there have already been some mistakes.

• I went with a 1P tent that I found on clearance and realize now that it’s probably too small and too heavy. It takes a lot of money to go with the ultralight gear and it’s just not in my budget this year.
• Despite the fact that food is available every 3-4 days on the AT, I am simply not willing to hitchhike into some of the towns to resupply. So, I’m going to pack more food than is recommended. I will live and learn at my own pace and decide what works best for Me.
• I’ve already had to return an umbrella that was too large for my pack.
• I knocked a folding water bucket off my wishlist after other hikers dissed the idea on social media.
• After trying to make cheaper base layers work, I finally spent the money on wool. Too many people swore by it and I don’t want to be cold.

Gear Testing

• I was able to test some of my gear in a recent cold spell that came through central Texas.
• My tent held up in ferocious winds and only came loose from two stakes.
• Despite the frigid wind I didn’t feel the slightest draft in my champion of a sleeping bag!
• I’ve been taking walks up and down a local hill while wearing my heavy pack. So far I’m holding up, but it’s only at 60% expected weight.

There is so much still to do and to look forward to.

I’m excited to share it all with YOU!