Houston, We’re Ready for Launch

Did you say 30 days?

It has always seemed so far away. Now all of the sudden a month is all that separates us from our first white blaze. We are officially 30 days away from the start of our thru-hike attempt, and we could not be more excited! (Read: overwhelmed with all sorts of emotions.) We have read way too many articles on gear, talked to so many helpful previous thru-hikers, and read all the books about how to physically and mentally train for the trail. In one way, we have prepared as much as one can, and on the other hand, nothing prepares you for this type of journey. But that’s half the fun, right?

The Best Kind of Preparation

With only one month until Springer, we are doing the most important preparation of all: spending time with loved ones. Having a good support system makes anything in life easier, and we have a great one. These next four weeks won’t be spent on a lot of hiking, working out, or researching. They will be spent soaking up time with friends, family, and of course our sweet dog, who will be having the time of her life playing at the beach while we are away. It’s hard saying goodbye to everyone for now, but it’s what will make us push toward Katahdin that much harder. Come on, wouldn’t that sweet face make keep you motivated to finish?

Ready As We’ll Ever Be

More than anything, Sydney and I are just ready for our hike to be here. It’s something that we’ve talked and dreamed about for years, and now we are so close. Anyone who has planned for a thru-hike knows all the emotions that take over as you approach your start date. We have bought, returned, and rebought all the gear in the world, we’ve strapped thirty pounds on our backs and climbed up Blood Mountain a hundred times (if you are a NOBO, Blood Mountain is a doozie), and received so much helpful advice. Lucky doesn’t even begin to describe how we feel getting to do this, and we can’t wait to see all the craziness that comes along with hiking the Appalachian Trail.