My Lifelong Dream…72 Days

So the Appalachian Trail…

It all started as a kid, doing day hikes on the AT with my dad, seeing thru-hikers at Fontana Dam after fishing as a child, then books, then documentaries, then a realization that I was going to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. I just graduated from Western Carolina University a few days ago, a semester early (GO CATS!). I decided to take part in this journey this past summer on a hike at Max Patch, NC. I went camping with some co-workers one weekend, and wow what a beautiful view. The next morning, about 8:30 am, a hiker came walking across the grassy field and I instantly knew he was a thru-hiker: the noticeable hobble, the personality, and the stank.  He asked if he could sit with us for a bit and of course I obliged.  Turns out, his name was Sasquatch and he was a flip-flopper. After offering him several breakfast beers and bags of Cheetos,  taking pictures, and talking for a few hours about his trail experience, he went on his way leaving a huge impact on me.  For several years, I had contemplated the thought of taking a thru-hike. At that point, I decided that I was going to do it. With the opportunity to graduate from college a semester early, it has worked out perfectly! With the opportunity for sponsorships and this blog position, I know that it is going to be a great journey!

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Five Facts About Me:

  1. I’d rather be outside…anytime
  2. I grew up backpacking and fishing the mountains of Western NC
  3. I try to positively impact at least one person every day
  4. Burritos and PBR
  5. I hope to climb Mt. Everest one day

 

Five Things I Hope To Accomplish on the Trail:

  1. Start at Springer and finish at Mt. Katahdin
  2. Push Myself
  3. Isaiah 52:7
  4. Embrace the Thru-Hiker Culture
  5. Have Fun through the rain, snow, sun, stink, shelters, towns, and fellow thru-hikers!

I will be blogging throughout my trail prep and continue as I start and take part on my hike. Feel free to subscribe to my blog and other social media. If anyone has advice, questions, comments, free burritos or craft beer feel free to contact me!

P.S. If anyone has ever met Sasquatch or has his contact, please send it to me!

 

-CB

 

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Comments 8

  • Tonya Lloyd : Dec 18th

    Follow your dream but be careful!! You got this!!

    Reply
  • Angela powell (Kason's mom) : Dec 19th

    Very exciting times! Be safe and enjoy every fun, new, stinky and hard moment! Think of the impact it’s going to have on your life and those you share it with and those that you inspire! Let me know how we can contribute to your journey!

    Reply
    • Caleb Bonner : Dec 19th

      Thanks so much, I will for sure! Tell Kason and Sophie I will take lots of pictures!

      Reply
  • Kestrelchick : Dec 19th

    You got this!!! My teenager and I will be starting a few days before you – we are the Snail Brethren so I know we will run into each other 🙂 Enjoy every second 🙂

    Reply
    • Caleb Bonner : Dec 19th

      Good deal!

      Reply
  • Carmen Lomonoco : Dec 19th

    Hopefully i will see you in New York State…

    Reply
  • Randy Bonner : Dec 19th

    Man…I’m so pumped and proud for you in this adventue of greatness! It’s all part of your DNA! You are a shining light light on a hill. You are an inspiration to all those around you! Isaiah 54:10 describes His great love for you. We love and believe in you. “You are only one, but are one” Bigfoot sends his blessing also! When you get tired and weary…walk for Raven Fork and all that it represents within the “stick-foot” family!

    Reply
  • Dan : Dec 23rd

    Very best of luck to you, sir. This will be the greatest of adventures. Just like Nimblewill Nomad!

    Reply

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