Zach Davis Told Me To

Hi, Friends! For those of you that have had the opportunity to read the fantastic book, Appalachian Trials can already guess what post is coming next. For those of you that have not read this book, you’re missing out on some great knowledge, encouragement and obscene jokes.

Zach Davis, the author of this book and the mastermind behind this site, demands that you take the time to answer three very important questions, all based around “why am I hiking.” This exercise is to help you truly understand your drive to embark on such a journey and to have something to look back at when the days get tough (and trust me there will be some rough ones).

So without further ado here are the reasons why I’m hiking the A.T.

I am thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail because…

• I want to detox from modern, everyday life. I want to take a step away and appreciate the beauty of the world. I feel like I constantly rush through life and become easily impatient, frustrated or bored. I’m not a fan of these character traits and need to learn how to slow down, enjoy every day, and appreciate the little things in life.
• I crave a truly unique experience. I can’t think of a better way to see (most of) the east coast than to frolick through 14 states for several months. Not to mention that meeting new people, drinking local beers and taking on ridiculous food challenges sounds like an awesome first post-college “adult” adventure.
• I have the time and minimal responsibilities to do this now. I don’t want to miss this opportunity.
• I need some time to think about what I really want to do with my life. Hopefully, 2,189 miles will give me plenty of time to figure it out.
• I want to force myself outside of my comfort zone – both physically and mentally. This isn’t going to be a walk in the park and I’m hoping to conquer some fears (like those unknown sounds at night, ah!) and to challenge myself to grow as a person.

When I successfully thru-hike the Appalachian Trail I will…

• Be a complete badass! I should start brainstorming superhero names now.
• Have conquered my fears. Seriously, what is scarier than a stick crunching feet from your head when there’s only a piece of nylon protecting you. Insert teeth chattering here.
• Have one amazing story to share the rest of my days – like, oh, cool you saw the Eiffel Tower this past spring well I hiked over two thousand miles. Ha! But on a serious note, I want to see the Eiffel Tower.
• Hang my Mt. Katahdin summit picture on the fridge for everyone to see. Maybe, I’ll just replace my college diploma with this picture, hmm.
• Have a whole new skill set and a damn good one at that.
• Have figured out what I want to do with my life. Hopefully. 
• Have a new appreciation for life and its luxuries (like a hot shower and flushing toilets). But truly enjoy every day I get to spend adventuring, snuggling with the pup in a warm bed or the hours spent around a dinner table with a hot meal and great family.

If I give up on the Appalachian Trail I will…

• Cry and then cry some more. Then, call my mom and cry even more.
• Doubt myself in every future challenging endeavor.
• Be completely humiliated. Actually, I think mortified is more accurate. This has been announced to the world!

Oh and after I successfully complete this trail I am going to reward myself with some of the best home cooking ever. Should I put in my requests now or later, mom? 

So let’s review the things you’ve learned:

1. Who the hell Zach Davis is.
2. Why I’m hiking the AT. Do you still think I’m crazy?
3. That my boy is the cutest dog in the world.

Until next time, y’all.