I’m Ready to Meet New People, Share Stories

I think most people want to know why you want to be a thru-hiker and something about you. I know that I am curious about you. I imagine that I will get to know a great many of you and if we spend time hiking together I hope we get to share some stories as I do have some great stories from my past.

Hippie for Life

I have been a hippie for half a century and will turn 70 on the Appalachian Trail. I am a husband, father, and grandfather to my Rory. I am semi-retired and enjoying my family, my life. I spent 35 years in construction and have always been active, first as a runner and now as a walker. I am in good shape for my age. I am a happy, positive individual and am very grateful for all that I have in my life.

A Book Changed My Life

I read the book “AWOL on the Appalachian Trail” and it changed the trajectory of my life. I spent one week after finishing the book trying to convince myself that I could not do it but I knew in my heart when I finished the book I was going. I had lots of reasons not to go. Most of the reasons are age related, like doctor appointments. I like to joke that at my age I now have more doctors than friends. Then there was the issue of never having backpacked in my life. I knew that I could find a solution for every obstacle. With my wife’s and family’s blessing I am headed to Harpers Ferry in April 2018 for a flip-flop.

What was it about the book that pulled on my heart so? I have several answers but l what I really know for sure is the book created a need in me to feel the trail. I want to feel the trail under my feet, the dew on my tent in the morning, the rain in my face, the hunger, the blisters, the beauty, the energy. I want to immerse myself in being there. I am not going to find answers but to be in the now, be present, just be here.

See You on Trail

I want to wish all of my fellow 2018 thru-hikers good luck and all of my fellow hikers whether it’s day, sectional or Girl Scouts good luck as well. As I wrap up I am super excited to start and I think it would be really cool if I meet someone on my odyssey who read this intro. I would be so thrilled I just might carry your water

Love This Writer

I want to end with a quote from Carrot Quinn, my favorite author, trail writer, and blogger. Carrot’s quote is, “Why any of this? Why anything? Who am l and what do I even want? Why am I out here?”

Next up … shakedown hike in Big Bend on the Outer Mountain Loop Trail.