“So, What Are We Talking? A Week or So?”

This is in response to everyone who asks the same question after I tell them I am attempting a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail next year:

“No, I am not being kidnapped!”

I guess I should start from the beginning.

In November of 1975 I was born in Queens, NY, and then moved to Virginia with my family when I was 11.  I grew up wanting to be outside as much as possible.  I loved playing sports like tennis and baseball and spending time outside with friends.  That was pretty much the extent of my outdoor adventures.  Spend time in the mountains?  Nope.  Skiing?  Tried it, but I got altitude sickness and had to take a snowmobile back to the lodge.  Hike in the woods?  Only when I took a shortcut to the convenience store.   My friends and family never showed interest in doing any of those outdoor activities, and if they did, they didn’t share it with me.

Fast forward to 2016, when I met Brandee.  We met while we were opening a new restaurant and bar in Northern Virginia.  She was and still is a bartender, and I was the general manager.

Brandee was born in New England.  She grew up wanting to be outside as much as possible.  With relatives who loved the outdoors and 12 years of being a Girl Scout, she spent most of her time outside and in the mountains.  She loved skiing and ice skating.  She hiked all around New England with family and friends, backpacked the Adirondacks as she got older, and since moving to Virginia, had done several overnights in the Dolly Sods wilderness.

In February of 2017, after working together for the past year, I went to cheer Brandee on in a bartending competition.  Her original partner bailed, and I was recruited at the last moment.  After we got our butts kicked and had a blast doing it, we decided to spend more time together. This included Brandee introducing me to the outdoors.  We took short hikes through the Manassas Battlefields and long hikes along the Potomac Heritage Trail.  I quickly came to realize that I kind of liked hiking and I loved spending time with Brandee.

As couples do, we decided to share our “bucket” lists.  My list was full of seeing “once in a lifetime” sporting events and vacationing in faraway locales.  Brandee wanted to do those things as well, but she had one thing that was completely different on her list.

That is when she told me she wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail…

I responded, “That’s great, babe!  We can set aside a few days and I am sure that we can make that happen for you.  I don’t know much about camping overnight, but I would be fine with you teaching me all you know.”

She laughed and said, “No, I don’t think you understand.  This isn’t a one or two-night thing.”

Realizing I had no idea how long hiking the Appalachian Trail takes, I asked, “So, what are we talking about?  A week or so?

She laughed again and proceeded to tell me, “No. It will take me 4 to 6 months to hike the trail.  It is almost 2200 miles!”

I remember staring at her for a moment with my mouth wide open.  “Are you serious?  All at once?”

“Yes!  It has been a dream of mine my whole life!”  She was very excited.  She continued, “There is no clocking in and out.  All you have is your bag, your gear, and your shoes.  It’s you versus the trail.”

I had so many questions.  “Wouldn’t that be dangerous doing that by yourself, and more importantly, where do you poop?”

She told me, “Thru-hiking is mostly safe.  It’s even safer if you go with a partner.  As far as pooping, you do that outside into a cathole.”  She delivered that last line like she was asking me if I wanted to join her.  She added, “I couldn’t imagine doing this without you.”

I looked at her like she had lost her mind.  6 months in the woods?   I don’t hike like that.  A few miles to a nice view is one thing, but this is crazy!  She knows I don’t like bugs.  Not too keen on sleeping next to bears, either.  Can someone please tell me what in the world cats have to do with pooping outside in holes?  Did she not realize I am black and would be hiking in the south?  I had never spent more than a couple of nights camping outside.

Although… I did say  I “kind of” like hiking, and I loved spending time with her.

Without much hesitation, I said “Are you serious?  Of course, I will go with you.  We do everything together.  I don’t love the outdoors as you do, but that is because no one has shown me the outdoors as you can.  Show me how to do it, and I am sure I will love it.”

Since that conversation, Brandee and I have moved in together, and much like millions of other Americans during the pandemic, we welcomed a new family member.  An Australian Cattle Dog named Beo (pronounced Bay-O), and we love him.  He will be nearly 3 years old when we start the AT, and the plan is to have him hike as much of it as he can.  With that in mind, we have also done 5 multi-night camping trips, dozens of day hikes, and a TON of planning.  The three of us are set to leave in February of 2023.  Yep, even crazier!

Why in the world am I doing this?

Of course, I am doing this to be supportive of Brandee.  She is truly my best friend and if she wants to share this adventure with me, I am going to be there.  Brandee survived a brain aneurysm in 2013, and she quickly realized that life is too short to not do what you love to do.  She has taught me the same.

I am also doing this because I want to challenge myself.  I have been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, and it is high time I tried something new.  I have spent so long in restaurants and bars that I have forgotten that there is a whole other world outside of those four walls.  Why not try something completely out of my comfort zone?  I am beyond ready to challenge myself physically and mentally.

I am ready to face the anxiety that comes with hiking through areas I am skeptical of.  I am ready to help change the stereotype of “blacks don’t hike.”  I want to be part of this all-inclusive hiking world.  I know it will be difficult, and I know that I will struggle.   I also know I am ready to grow.  I can’t believe how little I knew about thru-hiking.  In a very short amount of time, I have learned so much and look forward to exploring more.

I am ready to disconnect from all I have known all my life and immerse myself in this new world I never even knew was there.  I want the positive vibes that come from being part of this outdoor community.

I can’t wait to share some of my thoughts, my fears, my highs, and my lows with anyone willing to read my posts.  I will also share my thoughts on the great gear we have amassed over the past year.  We are in the process of finishing up all of the dehydrated meals we will be eating on the trail, so I will also be sharing recipes and meal reviews.  At the time I finished writing this entry, I am only 68 days and 48 minutes away from willingly attempting (no attempting, SUCCEEDING at!) a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, and I can’t wait to start!

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Comments 19

  • Thomas G Evans Jr : Dec 6th

    Great intro, and an interesting perspective. It wasn’t on your bucket list but you’re gearing up to do it. I look forward to reading more. Excited for you.

    Reply
  • Otter : Dec 6th

    Great start, CJ. Started my hike as a thru in 2017. Finished as a LASH in 2019. I’m also a NoVA resident. Give me a shout if I can be of any assistance.

    Reply
  • Dewdrop : Dec 6th

    I think you had alot of us chuckling, best of luck on the Journey, not just the hike. Embrace the high highs, as well as the shitty suck!
    Cheers!

    Reply
  • Angie : Dec 6th

    Congratulations CJ on your upcoming AT thruhike! I look forward to reading about your adventures.

    Reply
  • Nicholle : Dec 6th

    I’m so excited for you both and looking forward to following you on your journey. You are already an inspiration simply for your willingness to start. You got this!

    Reply
  • Kilgore Trout : Dec 6th

    Excellent writing, looking forward to following your guys’ adventure!

    Reply
  • David Firari : Dec 6th

    Lovely article! Can’t wait to read more. I’m also starting NOBO in February, so hope to see you, Brandee and Beo out there! Happy Trails!

    Reply
  • Peter A Battaglia : Dec 6th

    [quote]Hike in the woods? Only when I took a shortcut to the convenience store.[/quote]
    Ha! I seem to remember a little more than that but fair!
    Amazing story and looking forward to the updates. Enough of them and maybe we can deliver some care packages while you are passing by!

    Reply
  • Kim Ross : Dec 6th

    CJ – I wish you nothing but the best. I also hope you LEARN along the way. I also hope it is from all the GOOD experiences. You writing is easy on the eyes and I hope to see all your posts. Enjoy the journey. I have no idea what it will bring, however I have a hunch it will be life changing.

    Reply
  • Paul : Dec 8th

    CJ, this is awesome! I can’t wait to read more. I am sure there will be a lot of ups and downs throughout the hike, but it will all be worth it in the end, trust me.

    Reply
  • Leo Herrera : Dec 8th

    Let’s go CJ!

    Reply
    • Michael Parks : Dec 8th

      My heart goes out to you. Enjoy your time. Dress warm for those winter nights. Going to be cold in February.

      Reply
  • Lynn : Dec 8th

    It’s dang cold in the Smokies in February at 6000+ feet high. Plus snowy. Best of luck to you.

    Reply
  • Travelmerci : Dec 13th

    I am excited for you CJ! In 2021, I started AT NOBO section hike with plans to end at Harper’s Ferry – solo. As you and Brandee prepare for your epic adventure, take advice from Zach Davis, Appalachian Trials: The Psychological and Emotional Guide to Successfully Thru-Hiking The Appalachian Trail. Being an African American middle aged woman, I knew I wouldn’t see many hikers who looked like me -especially my age!
    However, that didn’t deter me. As recommended in Zach’s book, I made small goals and felt “successful” each time I reached a “goal”. Thru hiking is hard but totally a rewarding experience and I applaud you for being game for Brandee. Looking forward to your post. Embrace The Suck!

    Reply
  • Dirt digger : Dec 14th

    Loved your intro and the easy reading your writing expresses and the way it portrays your feelings and thoughts. Wish you three the best on your adventure and look forward to keeping updated.

    Reply
  • Suzi : Jan 6th

    Starting about a month after you! I’ll be watching for updates!

    Reply
    • jodemonster : Jan 10th

      starting mid-Feb/mid March as weather allows. hope to see you both (and myself) hit Katadhin

      Reply
      • CJ Roberts : Feb 7th

        See you out here soon!

        Reply
  • Jeff : Jan 28th

    As others have said, excellent writing. I love your perspective and looking forward to reading more. Best of luck as you make final preparations to get underway.

    Jeff – AZ

    Reply

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