Just a Barista and a Backpack

Whaddup Appalachian Trials!

My name is Mariah Bardwell, I’m twenty four years old and from the Pacific Northwest but I currently reside in North Carolina with my husband and our two dogs. I will be starting my NOBO thru-hike in March 2016 and cannot wait!(well I can wait seeing as I haven’t picked a sleeping bag yet) I am not a gear savvy outdoors-woman, I have never hiked anywhere close to this far before, and I’ve been told I pronounce Appalachian incorrectly. None of this will matter when I’m standing on Katahdin come next fall though, I promise you!

I will be swapping my comfortable life of slinging coffees and snuggling my dogs for a tent and some good old fashion walking. People might think I’m tapped, journeying out by myself and that’s fine with me! I don’t know if I’ve actually solidified a “reason” that I’m hiking other than the fact that I just want to. I’m apart of a community where we as females are used to being the ones who are standing in the driveway waving good bye as our husbands leave, but this time I will be the one who is leaving. I know it won’t be easy and I’m sure I will shed a few tears(as well as pounds) throughout my time on The Appalachian but I can think of no better way to start 2016 than this!

My excitement can hardly be put into words at this point but I can’t wait to share my journey with all of you on here!