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Why I’m Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail
Sometimes you just know.
Why would anyone want to spend four to six months on the AT?
The Pacific Crest Trail offers better views, higher peaks, better trails, and more wilderness. The Continental Divide Trail crosses more rugged wilderness. I can hike the Arizona Trail in my own backyard. The Camino de Santiago is oldest and most spiritually significant. There are hundreds of long trails. Why thru hike the AT?
For me, I have to. I just can’t shake the idea of an AT thru hike. Not that I’ve really tried to shake it, of course. I’ve been nurturing it.
Over the past 62 years I’ve learned to listen to ideas that just won’t leave me alone. When I was 19, I met this girl in the lobby of my college dorm. After talking to her for five straight hours, I just knew she was the one. Forty plus years later she still is. Hands down, the best decision I ever made.
Eight years into my professional career I just knew I needed to start my own business. It was the best business decision I ever made. Twenty years later, I just knew it was time to pass the business on to my employees and finally take a vacation. It was the second-best business decision I ever made.
My need to hike the AT feels like those other “just knew it” ideas. Each time, I just knew it was something I had to do.
I got the girl. I had the career. I finally have the time. I just need to get out there and start walking.
See you on the trail.
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Comments 9
Wow 62 have you partied in a toga, gone on vacation when you were young and there was no TV or phone, hiked in the 70s without water and survived? Good luck boomer I’m class of 78 hope your not a jive turkey, sock it to the AT
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Thanks!
Hope not.
Will do.
Thanks for reading!
You’re right. You were the first! Thanks for coming along Smitty.
Excellent reason for hiking the AT! I look forward to reading about your adventures!
Thanks for reading! (I’m a crossword fan too)
This is awesome! Rooting for you all the way!
Thanks, Alejandra!
Same age, but done it already (AT ’19). Advice; get in hiking shape before you start (ie 20+ mile hikes). Know your equipment. Hike fast to get ahead of crowd. Hike with young people. Pat yourself on the back, then hike farther tomorrow. Even hiking fast, you see and experience everything. Find the shoes that work for you (I can do 20+ easy in Altras). Good luck, and get your pack weight down
Thanks for reading!