We Did It

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June 1, 2016-November 13, 2016

As my knees became shaky, my palms became sweaty, and as my heart raced faster than it ever has before, I climbed the very last mountain of the Appalachian Trail. I probably tripped over 50 rocks on my way up Springer Mountain. I was filled with excitement, pure joy, nervousness of life after the trail.. you name it, I felt it. It’s been one month since these emotions took over me, and I still get just as giddy from time to time. Sometimes I ponder over how far my own two feet carried me. How my limits were pushed to the very end. How my heart was broken and mended by those mountains. The Appalachian Trail will forever hold my heart. It will forever be the love of my life. It will always be home.

I have been overwhelmed with love and support by you all. Thank you for following me from my very first steps in Maine. We came a long way. We conquered an adventure that only so many dream about. For me, this was not about the miles, it was about the journey. I have grown immensely as a person. My heart is bigger. My body is skinnier (I lost 50 pounds while on the trail). My mind is clear. I literally feel like I can do anything in this life. And so can you! You have to persevere through the good times and the bad.

Thank you to all of my family, friends, internet friends, every trail angel, trail maintainer, day hiker who wished me luck. Thank you to every beautiful soul that I hiked with. You all will forever be the most incredible people I have ever had the joy and pleasure of getting to know.

The journey continues as I head back to New Hampshire this May to finish the White Mountains. Then I will head out west to complete the Colorado Trail June 2017. May 2018 will be the beginning of the Pacific Crest Trail. I hope you all will continue to follow along. I plan to post more blogs in the coming months addressing many topics about my AT hike.

With all of my love,
Pringles.

Appalachian Trail SOBO 2016.

 

Instagram- @ashschellhase

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Comments 1

  • Bob : Dec 17th

    Congratulations on your hike! I’m a section hiker necessity not by choice. I’m always amazed when hikers list the hiking itinerary for future hikes. I imagine winning the lottery would be the only way I could afford it. Good luck on your future hikes. I’ll continue to read longingly thru the blogs of those who have escaped the anchors of this world. God bless and be well.

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