I’m Going to Hike the AT, Baby!

9 months.

9 months until I embark on the journey of a lifetime.

I could theoretically go through the entire gestation period of a child. (I promise that will not happen). But the timing coincidence got me to thinking. Announcing my intentions to thru hike is similar as if I were to announce a pregnancy considering my age and relationship status.  I feel like the responses of my friends and family would be almost identical …  So far people have expressed shock, uncertainty, excitement, support, and all have advice/warnings to give. Not to mention doubt, oodles of doubt.

Initially I was hesitant to make the “I am going to attempt a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail” announcement in fear of what people would think… Now I don’t care because it’s happening whether anyone likes it or not. Boom.

I have tentatively set my start date to coincide with my brother’s spring break, but we’ll see.

I have no set in stone plans and I don’t plan on making more than a general framework.

I am usually a planning maniac.  Contrary to my micromanaging past, I have decided to let the trail be the teacher, to see where it takes me, and to go along for the ride.

So unlike me, I know. We’ll see how that goes.

Why am I hiking?

  • I need a break from the demands of schooling. I have been taking classes nonstop, including summers, since I graduated high school. I know the trail will be mentally taxing as well, but in a different way.
  • I believe in the quote, “Let the world change you and you can change the world.” Before starting graduate school I need to be humbled, awe struck, and challenged by Mother Nature. There are lessons I still need to learn that cannot be taught by a textbook.
  • For me, the most important reason is self-discovery. I know it probably sounds hokey, but I need to find myself. I feel as if I bend too much to meet other’s expectations of me and I’d like to truly understand who I am as a person.

I can’t wait to share all my thoughts, experiences, and trials on this radical website! When I was younger I was an inconsistent journal/diary keeper, so we’ll see how this blogging thing goes.

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Comments 4

  • Scrappy Malloy : Jun 29th

    Hi Emily! I’ll see you on the trail next Spring. Good luck with everything.

    Reply
  • A J MacDonald Jr : Jun 29th

    Needing to find yourself doesn’t sound hokey… it sounds like a very good reason! : )

    Reply
  • Josh : Jun 30th

    Good luck to you and maybe I’ll see you out there! Next year is kind of my last chance before my wife demands babies haha.

    Reply
  • Nichole : Jul 22nd

    Welcome to the class of 2016! Keep us posted on your prep, looking forward to it!

    Reply

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