No Job, No Bed, No Problems. Why I’m Hiking the AT

Why?

I am 25 years young and have absolutely no idea what I want. I have worked, worked, and worked doing many different things, but after graduating college my ass landed a desk job. That was the end of my hard work and the start of a terrible idea. (Grinch smile.)

I appreciate having a job and the benefits that come along with it. But I crave challenge and to grow to become all that I can be. I just can’t do that when I am looking at the same keyboard every day. I couldn’t make a forward or even lateral pass. No challenge equals bordem. I was stuck like a bird in a cage. But how do I get out of this windowless cage and back outside while at the same time trying to find what I am really passionate about? Take a hike and think about it.

No Income

Like I said before, I have worked, worked, worked and have always saved my pennies like Scrooge Mcduck. That being said, I have saved enough for this journey. But is this a waste of my hard-earned cash? Yes and no. If you are on the outside looking in then absolutely I can see why this would be a waste of money. But I keep telling myself it is not. I think of this thru-hike as an investment. Possibly a gamble. But nobody can branch out without taking risks and investing some dollar bills along the way. But if I plan this right, keep to my budget, and don’t get caught up in the latest trend or the most expensive gear out there, I believe I can get by. If it works, it works and if it don’t, fix it yourself.

You’ll be a Glorified Hobo

Probably the best response I have received when I told friends and family that I wanted to go on this long journey. I suppose it is true, I will be a “glorified hobo.” But it will be one hell of an experience becoming one with nature. De-attaching myself from Netflix and all sorts of trends of entertainment (Game of Thrones). I am looking forward to the peace and quiet I crave. Getting away from the noise and experiencing what the world could have been and should be.