Well, we’re finally here.

After seven years of hyping each other up, we’ve finally told our jobs we’re leaving. This is it. Our point of no return.

Before we get there let me introduce who we are. My name is Elliot and I am hiking the AT this year with my wife Britta (feels crazy to type this out). Our original desire to hike the Appalachian Trail stemmed from our time working up at summer camp in Northeastern Pennsylvania; the trail cut nearby and always seemed a mystical thing that camp alumni hiked to grow out their hair and quads. Our relationship with the trail deepened when we moved to Asheville, NC and we became more involved with the hiking community.

Britain or Bust

Though my life has intersected the trail several times, I can’t say that I was always destined to hike. Growing up in Wolverhampton, England my outdoor experiences were limited to proving myself as one of the more incompetent Boy Scouts, and the occasional walk with my family up to the Long Mynd. The one thing England did give me is a serious amount of preparation for existing in the rain, and also, an affection for umbrellas (more on that at another point). I moved to America four years ago after getting married and despite America’s tumultuous nature over those years, I’ve had a fairly good time. I know, I’m overselling it aren’t I?

Britta or Boom

Britta seems to stand in better stead. Known as the positive one between us, she is an organised, motivated, force for good, who is generally unfettered by the afflictions of day-to-day life. Due to spending her teenage years in the Midwest, you would be forgiven for thinking that she was immune to the cold. However, that’s pretty far from the truth. Four years of scalding showers and heated (haha) discussions over the house temperature have taught me it’s pretty clear she didn’t pick up her brother’s serious love for the cold. In all seriousness, she is a rock that seems to keep going no matter what weighs her down- I’m glad we get to go on this adventure together.

One other thing that works in our favour is that we are both Physical Therapists! Well, she is, I’m a Physiotherapist going by my degree certification. Hopefully, that means we can bring some value to our prospective Tramily (trail family) and, barring falls, avoid injuries.

More to come

Well, I’ve enjoyed writing my first blog post enough to consider doing it again. Though, I don’t think I can do too many from home, as I’ve drank six cups of tea writing 400 words. I promise my ones from the woods will be less caffeinated and more coherent. Expect something before our start date in early March.