Hello all! I’m Sammi, I’m setting off on a 2190+ mile long trip, The Appalachian Trail! Starting at Harpers Ferry and doing a flip flop. And I’m very ready for it, so I think? Who can be ready for something like this until you actually get out there and walk everyday? So my plan is just to go with the flow. I’m pretty good with just flying by the seat of my pants lol. That’s how I did the Foothills Trail in September. Everything went hmm pretty well, I finished in the 6 days I wanted to, so that was good!

How much money I’m Saving

Ill be getting town food, staying at hostels if I need to let stuff dry out. Sometimes hotels, not sure. I have been saving more then half of my paychecks bi weekly at my Vet assistant job! I’m blessed to have a wonderful husband, who is supportive of this and is holding down the fort for me when I’m gone. So the ATC (Appalachian trail conservancy) recommends 1000 a month. Well with inflation and prices going up in food, hostels and hotels, that might be a little outdated in my opinion. I will have 1200-1400 a month and that is what I’m saving for 6 months. I’m a fast hiker and I want to be done within 5 months, but I just wont know until I’m out there.

Preparation and Gear

AHHH, prepping for a long thru hike… I did the foothills trail in September. I figured this trail will let me see if I really want to walk the Appalachian Trail. And I do! Prep consists of a lot of day hikes, about 2 times a week. Backpacking in the smokies about once a month.  Yoga has helped me mentally. I also entered myself in a trail race a couple weeks ago, and I came in 4th! Trail running has been really fun actually. All my gear, I am happy with! There is still some little things I need to purchase but nothing too big. Still debating on how I’m going to hang my food. Think I’m going to go with an ursack bag. If anyone has any information about the ursack, please commit. Base layers are still up for debate also. Trying to find a merino wool, that wont break the bank. I’m not an Ultra lighter, but my stuff is pretty light! Not sure the base weight yet, stay tuned.

Nightmares!!!

So is anyone else having stress dreams about hiking the Appalachian trail?? I am! So the other night, I had a horrible dream. It was night time and I was by myself road walking through a park. There were people playing basketball, and one of the guys tried to stop me. I chatted for a while, and said I had to get going, and walked on. Then out of the corner of my eye I see a shadow figure following me. It was the basketball player… with num-chuks, yes he was swinging num-chuks at me. “Where you going girl? come with me and I wont hurt you,” he said. At that point I just started screaming, luckily there where other hikers coming along, and helped me. Then I woke up! I have been having crazy dreams like this about once a week. Cant wait to share the others!

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be able to walk this trail. Hiking has helped me heal a lot of trauma that I have been thru. I just cant wait to see where this all takes me! Stay tuned! There is lots to come!