Yes, You’ll Make It To Katahdin

Katahdin is a mountain.
It rises 5,267 feet out of the Maine wilderness to form the northern end of the Appalachian Trail.

If you want to summit Katahdin as a thru hiker, you’ll walk 2,189.1 miles over 14 states. Some of these miles will roll you gently through wheat fields. Some will demand hand over hand climbs up massive rock faces. You’ll walk in rain and snow and sun, you’ll sleep under stars. You’ll solve the seemingly unsolvable. You’ll understand the luxury of water. You’ll meet incredible people. You’ll feel amazement, exhaustion, humility, loneliness, fear, frustration, belonging, fulfillment. You’ll learn how few material things you truly need. The woods will become your home.

When I started my thru hike to Katahdin six months ago, I had no idea who I’d be by the end of the journey. I chose to leave NYC to move myself continually north one step at a time. It would be a simple enough dance, I thought, just to step north. Some of these steps I took in wonder, certain I was witnessing beauty that few others had seen. Others I took on my hands and knees, in pain and in tears, feeling far from strong. This continual movement north has turned out to be the most difficult dance of my life so far. And I’m so deeply grateful for both the privilege of the experience and for all of the love I’ve received along the way.

Katahdin is a mountain.
I am a mountain too.

Hey I completed an AT thru hike on October 22 2016 and now I’m writing stuff.