Walking Up The East Coast

The original idea came to me on the tail end of a 2020 summer vacation to the Middle East while we were in quarantine before the flight home. One of my friends put on some YouTube videos of the Pacific Crest Trail, and being that I had just made up my mind that I was leaving the Army I decided that this was the next journey (Justin this is your fault). I ultimately decided on the AT due to the logistics of everything going on in my personal life this spring. More on that in a moment.

Over the years I’ve done bits and pieces of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina, Virginia, and New Hampshire, but this year I’m attempting a full NOBO hike from Georgia to Maine. I’m originally from Maryland, and have lived in a bunch of different places in the last decade or so between college (Roll Tide) and the Army. The last nine years I’ve spent my time as an Infantryman in Italy, Colorado, and North Carolina, which is where I’m residing now that I’m almost out.

 

How I’m Feeling Mentally

Great, actually. A good chunk of my last job was sleeping outside while cold, wet, hungry, hurting, etc., so no issues or anxiety there. I recently completed the Foothills Trail in December (highly recommend), and was able to experience all of those sensations all over again. It all felt weirdly comfortable, specifically the part where I was wet for three days straight. I missed that. I also lost ten pounds and have kept it off so far, so that’s neat.

Being able to backpack and camp with lighter gear that I am able to pick and choose instead of getting thrown the same heavy equipment as everyone else makes it even more satisfying and enjoyable. I also only have me to worry about, and don’t necessarily have a strict schedule to follow on this one. The mantra for this is just go with the flow, it’ll all work out, and keep your stress in check.

How I’m Feeling Physically

Kind of rough. The last few years were full of back to back injuries. When I was stationed in Italy several years ago, myself and a few others got into a head on collision with a drunk driver on Christmas Day (seatbelts save lives). I ended up breaking my back in three places, and even though it healed there’s been pain there ever since. If anyone has any suggestions for simple lumbar pain remedies, I’m all ears.

Two summers ago I sprained my left ankle while hiking along the Conestoga Trail in southern Pennsylvania. Immediately after I finished physical therapy, I severely sprained both my ankles and my left knee on a jump back in February of last year that had me walking around in a boot and cane. Lastly, this past September I strained something in my back weightlifting, and now I’m dealing with sciatic pain all down my left leg. None of this is ideal if you’re wanting to hike over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, but f**k it. Still doing it.

Overall

I’m nervous, excited, could be in better shape, could be in worse shape, have most of my gear dialed in, and just jumping at the bit to get started. I’m also fortunate enough to have a very supportive partner in all of this, as well as friends and family rooting for me (and now new coworkers!). I’ve been looking forward to this for a very long time, basically since COVID was in full swing.

My partner finds out where her professional life will take us, so I’m hopping off trail several weeks in to help move us. There’s a few other family functions going on around then, and then after all of that I’ll be back on trail. It’s about to be a busy spring, but I’m ready for it. For now I’ll be focusing on getting healthy physically, finalizing my packing list, and enjoying North Carolina while I am still here. Happy hiking!