Home Appalachian TrailAT Continental Divide TrailCDT Pacific Crest TrailPCT
author photo">
Sep 19, 2014 : Mellanie Paredes Appalachian Trail

The Irony of it All

I’m going to start off by saying that I am TERRIBLE with introductions. In fact, I have written for a handful of blogs and I can’t find words to describe who I really am. The only way to describe myself is that I am a girl with fleeting passions. I love something one day and I find myself bored the moment it is no longer challenging. The only constant in my life has been the passion that I have for adventure.

DAMN, I just wrote my first successful “about me”!

I concocted this crazy idea of hiking the Appalachian Trail sometime between hiking the Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala and hiking Volcano Conception, Nicaragua. Earlier this year, I made a goal to find adventures in my own backyard…and ironically enough, I have traveled more this year than I ever have in my 26 years of life. Here is another ironic point! I was originally set on hiking the PCT but I had a change of heart and decided I wanted to explore my beautiful coast. What is ironic about that? Well, a couple of months ago I decided that I needed a change and I will be moving to Portland, Oregon in December 2014. Ha! Typical Mellanie.

This thru hike will be a challenge. I can confidently say that I am a mentally strong person, I have no problem deviating from any plans and most problems look like temporary road blocks to me. Will I be able to say that when I’m alone, covered in blisters, potentially in sub zero temperatures? I don’t know! The way I see it, the worst and the most beautiful things in life are often the same. Uncertainty is fucking scary, but imagine knowing everything that is going to happen to you…well, does that sound fun? Uncertainty keeps us guessing, its makes the unexpected extraordinarily beautiful!

The one thing that I am certain of is that I will be completing the Appalachian Trail, beginning March 2015.

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.

Mellanie Paredes
Sep 19th : Mellanie Paredes
Author Page
Mellanie Paredes's Bio

A twenty-something year old New York native and future Portland, Oregon resident. Exploring wellness on the trail in a mindful manner. Healthy mind. Healthy body. Healthy soul. Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail March 2015!

What Do You Think?