Turtle Power! My AT Thru-hiking Mantra

As an 80’s/90’s kid I’ve always wanted to be a Ninja Turtle. Now, on the brink of a 2018 Appalachian Trail NOBO thru-hike, I feel like I’m finally about to live that dream.

 

Check it out:

1. There will be no shortage of Master Splinters(rats, mice).
2. Pizza will be an obsession, no doubt.
3. I’ll be carrying my house on my back.
4. I say things like “rad” and “gnarly” already.
5. I will smell like a sewer, which is pretty close to living in one.
6. (Bonus) I actually have a friend named April planning to meet up for a section hike.

 

The scenic route.

I’m hoping to have more of a “Turtles in Time” (despite it being a terrible movie) experience over a “Secret of the Ooze” affair…(I don’t think I need to clarify that any further.)

I’m really stoked to take my time with the AT. I leave mid-March and my ideal finish date is a relative couple of weeks before Baxter State Park closes Katahdin; October 1st seems like a good time to be done. Anything that happens in between March and October is a mystery to me and I’m super excited about that mystery. Most of my prep has gone into fine tuning gear and shake down hikes. Beyond that I am not planning. I will hike every trail mile. But, I’ll also be exploring blue blazes and chillin’ at swimming holes. You won’t find me rushing to abide by an itinerary. No way, dude! Turtle Power!

 

The part where I stop talking about TMNT.

The concept of waking up everyday in a new place and taking a step I’ve never taken before is something I want to savor. (Note to self) Remind me of this when it’s been raining for 3 days and my shoes are eternally wet. 🙂

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Comments 6

  • Margaret : Jan 3rd

    I’m a little jealous of you two and yet very excited for you. I think what you are setting out to accomplish is going to be challenging and rewarding in many ways. You have my full support!

    Reply
    • Taylor : Jan 3rd

      Thanks for your support! We appreciate you!

      Reply
  • Taylor's Mom : Jan 5th

    I love turtles! They’re full of mystery: They never hurry but always seem to thrive where ever they meander. They definitely wake up and smell the coffee, I mean…uh…dust. I’m proud of my Turtle Treker and plan to live my life vicariously through her on the AT. Turtles Reign!???????????????????

    Reply
    • Taylor : Jan 6th

      I see you found the blog just fine. Thanks, mom! ?

      Reply
  • Bloodhound : Jan 7th

    Turtle? Sounds like the beginning of a trail name. Well, I’m a trail angel and look forward to surprising you with some excellent trail magic somewhere, somewhen along the trail. Look for a man with two beautiful bloodhounds. Happy trails!

    Reply
    • Taylor : Jan 7th

      It certainly does. Awesome! I feel like I’ll probably miss out on most trail magic because I can’t eat wheat/gluten. But I appreciate that it’s there. Happy Trails!

      Reply

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