While Waiting

Little Wilson Falls

Little Wilson Falls

I feel like an expecting mother in her last month of pregnancy. The anticipation is building with just over a month to go until my flight leaves for Atlanta.

Training every day, testing gear, reading anything trail related in an effort to be prepared. Is it possible to be over prepared?

Mistakes and miscalculations are bound to happen and be a factor in any trip that covers 2,189 miles over a 5 month period. My goal here is that non of these issues become fatal to me or my dream.

My physical prep is ongoing but not a big concern, it’s the mental issues I’m working through; missing my family, what I will do when the fairy dust blows away and it’s not fun anymore, what am I going to do when I get home?

All valid and will be dealt with in due time. For now I’m going to remain focused, flexible and ready to enjoy the hike of a lifetime!

 

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Comments 1

  • Gunslinger : Feb 10th

    Good luck Greg!

    I too, am now in my 50’s and I started on the AT for my 40th birthday. With the AT in my backyard (I live in VA.) I have hiked all of Virginia, West Va. Maryland and PA three times since then. Never had the time to do the end to end yet, but I’m getting there! AS for your “mental issues”, I feel you! I have always hiked alone doing large sections and it is difficult to stay motivated during the tough parts when going home is so easy. What I found last year doing a two month section was walking with other thru hikers made the hard parts not only bearable, but fun. Talking about food (constantly) while we walked just ate up the miles! (Pun intended) With your background you will be a hit with the other hikers! Looking forward to cooking, eating, talking, cards, etc. at the end of the day always made the hiking easier.

    Didn’t mean to make this a book, but I guess it was all to say, make some friends out there and the hard parts will be fun and memories will be made. Best of luck brother! I will be doing from PA. headed north for two more months starting in March…maybe we will bump into each other, but if not, look for Gunslinger in the shelter logs!

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