Six Weeks Out – Thoughts And Musings

I leave for Georgia in six weeks.

This fact is difficult for me to comprehend. For so long, hiking the Appalachian Trail has felt like some distant future always on the horizon but never to be reached. It was always, “in a few years,” or “next year,” but now, finally, it is this year. And in just six weeks.

I’m finalizing my gear. I feel like I’m buying more things now than during the last four years combined. Every time I feel happy and satisfied with something I second guess it and wonder if there isn’t some better option out there. As an Eagle Scout, the desire to Be Prepared is strong.

And yes, I know I said I bought the last thing I needed in a previous post. I clearly miscalculated.

But I’m beyond excited! I’m thinking about the trail every day now. Well, if I’m being honest I’ve been thinking about the trail every day for the past four years but now it’s front and center. I don’t have to push it away because it’s so far out in the future. It’s just six weeks.

Most of all, I’m feeling confident. Despite my gear questioning I feel good with the gear I have and the skills I possess. I feel I have the knowledge and trail experience. I’m not in the top shape of my life but I feel strong enough to begin building my trail legs. In short, I’m ready.

Six weeks and I’m in Georgia!

 

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