I am an avid hiker and backpacker, living in Vermont. In August 2000, I caught the AT fever, when I hut-hiked in the White Mountains and met friendly and enthusiastic thru-hikers. Between 2000 and 2013, I section-hiked the entire AT, mostly during my summer vacations. Each step of the way, I yearned to return to the AT for a thru-hike. Now that I've retired, this is the year!