How my Upcoming AT Thru Hike came to be

My first backpacking trip in 2015. Both body and pack weight 20 lbs heavier.

I’ve come a long way to get to this epic adventure!

That’s me on my first 12 mile backpacking trip back in 2015. My pack weight was well over 40 lbs and I was 25 lbs heavier. After this short mileage, two night ass kicker, I knew that there had to be an easier way. I was over weight and and carried way too much shit in my pack. I soon found out that there was a way to better enjoy my backcountry adventures, but ‘easier’ was not a part of the solution in getting to that pinnacle.

I was determined to shed those pounds and get myself into a suitable physical condition and invest in the right gear. At the time, I had no idea what a base weight was or what type of conditioning my body needed in order double my daily mileage and still enjoy the experience.   But after numerous conditioning/shake-down backcountry hikes in the Ozarks, tons of conditioning and many hours of research, I began to see it all start paying some handsome dividends. And through the transformational process of it all, I fell deeply in love with tramping amid the majesty of Nature.

Do you believe in the law of attraction?

While all of this was playing out, I became obsessed with hiking longer distances over the course of several days. I had always heard about those epic trails that took months to achieve, but never really associated myself with the type of person that would be suited for such a feat. And before I knew it, I began to believe that I could actually do something like that. I started reading everything I could get my hands on and only dreamed of the day that I could embark on such an adventure, but when. My sights had become locked in on the Appalachian Trail. I had been pouring enormous energy into making this a reality for myself as I lived vicariously through the stories of those who had conquered the 2,000+ mile monumental adventure.

Meanwhile, as my business had really slowed down and my services were becoming less demanding, I stood at a crossroads. Do I stay in my comfort zone and continue to worship the mighty dollar and pursue another direction in business, or sell most of my possessions and start planning my AT thru hike? I chose the latter this past February, and after due deliberation, opted to flip flop thru hike the trail beginning at Harper’s Ferry NOBO. That day is less than 3 weeks away!

Call it the law of attraction or not, but God’s Universe has certainly re-arranged itself to make this incredible feat possible. This attempt now lies within the boundaries of choice as a new chapter of my life will begin writing itself soon.

Let the journey begin!

 

 

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Comments 1

  • Pat Jeckel : Apr 8th

    Best of luck on your journey.
    Were I younger I would be considering the same adventure.
    How can I follow your posts?
    Pat

    Reply

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