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“Well actually I leave Monday for like 5 months..”
“No rain, no pain, no Maine” I mumble to myself from an indoor treadmill because it was a little chilly outside this morning. An early February start looming just days away. A decade of watching thru hikers on YouTube backpack their way through the mountains is finally turning into reality. Am I bringing enough warmth? Is my pack too heavy? Why am I even trying this?! If you ask me why I’d probably say something like “because she likes jacked calves”. The truth is I don’t exactly know what about this trail has captured my imagination for so long but it definitely has.
Solo thru hiking in early February seemed like a good way to get some solitude and also be ahead of the bubble a little bit. Don’t get me wrong, I’m looking forward to meeting my fellow hikers and making new friends too. I also have my east coast Marines that I served with spread out nicely along the trail. There are six so far that plan on coming out when I reach their area and do a day hike and maybe give me a resupply.
The trail is already providing a way to reunite with the fellas like that and I haven’t even left yet. Grateful. I plan on prioritizing laughs and also giving detailed updates including self deprecating stories as I fail and learn. It should be a fun ride unless I stub my toe 100 yards in and tap out..
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Comments 4
Jan 21, 2023 start date thru hiker here. Summited 153 days later on June 23.
Just about every word of this post is exactly how I felt starting last year. Rooting for you man. Sounds like you have all the perspectives you need but drop a note if you’d like another of someone who started very early, alone, and finished.
I’m a follower now Bill. If I can assist you at any point on this hike, I’ll try.
s/f
Following. If it ain’t raining you ain’t training.
Remember, no apricots on the Amtrak.
Yut, good look brother. Don’t push yourself too hard at the start. You’ll have plenty of time with how early you’re starting. Let me know when you make it up to Vermont