In The Shadow of the Mountains

OK, disclaimer: We actually wrote this the night before we started the trail, but have finally found some internet signal and realized it didn’t upload. So this is from nine days ago.

Yesterday we traveled 4,400 miles in nine hours. The world has gotten really small. Now, though, we sit on the eve of taking our first steps of our great adventure and the planet is feeling really big again. The next 2,190 miles could take us half a year.

After 14 months of planning, for the first time we can actually see the Appalachian Mountains. For this final night before we begin we’re staying in a small cabin in the foothills, only big enough for a bed, kitchenette, and small bathroom. We’re currently sitting out on the veranda enjoying a pizza and the whiskey my boss gave me as a leaving present. The sun has just set behind the mountains and we’re enjoying this perfect moment in the shadow of the places that are soon to be our home.

We toast to the adventure ahead of us, and there was even a small toast for the boss.

It’s the perfect time to think about what lies ahead and all the unknowns. How will we react to the physical difficulties? Will the voices inside tell us to push on or to give up? I’m doing this with my partner of two and a half years. Will that give us strength or will that mean we bicker? I overwhelmingly think strength.

Tomorrow we will begin to learn the answers to all these questions and more. It’ll be months before we know for certain.

Dave

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