Here Goes Nothin…

Hey guys! I’m Ashley and holy crap.. this is real. I am overwhelmingly happy and excited to be blogging through Appalachian Trails as the dream of thru hiking the AT becomes a reality. About a year ago, my love for backpacking began to grow immensely, and now here I am preparing to embark on a 2,000+ mile trip. Life is crazy.

In June of 2015, I began the 80 mile hike on the Georgia section of the AT. This week in the woods changed my life forever. I can honestly say during that week I discovered who I truly am and what I want out of this life. I would even go to say that I’m no where near the same person I was before those 80 miles. (What am I going to be like after 2,000+?!?)  When I crossed into North Carolina, the last thing I wanted to do was turn around and go home. I wanted so badly to keep on walking. Now it is October and if you ask anyone who spends any amount of time with me, thru hiking the AT is my biggest dream and aspiration. I even have a map of the trail hanging in my room. Slightly enthusiastic? You got it.

I have decided that I will be hiking Southbound from Mount Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia. Before everyone explains to me how I should really go Northbound for numerous reasons– I am thankful for your thoughts, but I have my own valid reasons for going SOBO. I think I’ll save these reasons for a separate post. But I will say the biggest reason is that I will be mentally thinking of my hike as “walking home” (I am from Georgia). I mean doesn’t everyone dream of taking a 4-5 month walk home?!

Thanks so much for reading. Please feel free to contact me with anything regarding thru hiking the AT– I have so much to learn and prepare for. At the very least, I would love and appreciate your emotional support! It would mean the world to me. Cheers to life and happy trails!

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Comments 4

  • Pink Floyd, NoBo 2011 : Oct 23rd

    Don’t let anyone name you “Walking Home”! Hold out for a unique trail name!

    Reply
    • Ashley Schellhase : Oct 24th

      Will do!

      Reply
  • The Chief : Nov 4th

    How about ‘Nemo’?…lol!

    Reply
  • Ashley : Feb 15th

    My husband and I are hiking the AT NOBO starting in March. We are from NH and I decided “walking home” would be easier than walking away from too! I totally get it!

    Reply

What Do You Think?