I Just Quit My Job to Walk 2,500 Miles

After another long day of slinging drinks at the bar I put in my two weeks with my manager.  Over a year in planning, a lifetime of inspiration, a summer season of working three jobs, and hundreds of miles training on trail, it is finally time for me to go to Georgia.

Reflecting on my “Why”

I’ve found a great sense of appreciation for defining my “why” on trail.  On cold, rainy days (which has been many days recently), I have used what this hike means to me as motivation to press on.  I often feel excited about the difficulties that come with a hike at this scale.  The wear and tear on my body and gear, the chance encounters with other thru-hikers, many of whom have already become great friends of mine, the absolute freedom and adventure that comes with life on trail, it’s all incredibly exciting.

I remember how I defined this trip as my trip to Mecca, my Hajj.  This is ultimately what I consider my step into manhood, and so I look to embrace all the aches, shivers, hunger, and hardships that come with the trail.

Can you believe these photos were only two days apart?

I keep my brother close to my heart, and the rest of my family as well as I step away from Springer Mountain in a few weeks.