Hello, It’s me.

Here’s a story all about how my life got switched turned upside down, I’d like to take a second just to sit on this rail and tell you all about my plan to hike the Appalachian Trail. In western Nebraska, born and raised, in the creek and cornfield is where I spent most of my days. Pickin’ corn and relaxin’ all cool, and catchin’ some crawdads outside the pool. When a couple of cows those were up to no good, started eatin’ grass in my neighborhood. I tripped on their hooves and sat around poutin’, and my mom said “Get up and take your booty straight to Springer Mountain.” I begged and I pleaded day after day and she finally packed my bag and is going to let me head out on my way. She’s given me a hug, warned me about the bugs, and told me not to move like a slug. First backpacking trip, yo this is great, I’m attempting this hike because I know it’s my fate. But wait, I hear it’s quite long and strenuous with lots of rain, I hope you follow my voyage to Maine.

 

I thought a little introduction was appropriate for my first post. As we go through my glorious attempt at song writing, I will point out the true statements. So lets begin.

Hello, it’s me.

I was born at a very young age to my lovely parents; they named me Aundrea; to which I go by. I am a 23-year-old female who did in fact grow up in western Nebraska. I am not even sure that the town is listed on every map, but to give you an idea of where I come from…I graduated high school with 18 individuals. Yep, you read that right, a whopping 18.

 

I have always loved nature, you could generally find me outdoors or out ‘splorin somewhere throughout my childhood. Since school, I have been traveling the world, exploring, and working toward pursuing my dream of being a full time adventurer.

If you’re reading this, it means that I have officially committed to accomplishing a big dream of mine- attempting to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. When I first learned of the Appalachian Trail (around 16 years old) I became obsessed. I read countless blogs, personal stories, and books …I looked at hundreds of photos all while a deep desire was churning from within. I immediately knew at some point in my life, I would join the group that has successfully thru-hiked the AT. As much as I would have loved to leave that year, I knew that extensive planning, saving, and preparation would need to go into effect in order to make myself successful. I’m proud to say that 2016 will be the year I am chasing this dream to reality. This means that my two legs will take me from Georgia to Maine, through 2,189.2 miles of pure wilderness. I’m more than excited to immerse myself into Mother Nature and withdrawal from all the “luxuries” we have become so accustom to in this material world. I want to share this whole adventure with friends, family, and strangers, in hope that someone could potentially benefit from my personal experience. So sit back and brace yourself for my wild ride.

 

If you have any advice, questions, or just some encouragement…don’t hesitate to write.

77 days and counting!

Happy hiking,

Aundrea J.