Faces of the Appalachian Trail, 2014: Steve Adams

Before: Steve Adams

Before: Steve Adams

Trail Name: Mighty Blue
Home State: Florida
Occupation: Retired
Hike Timeline: March 22 – September 29, 2014

Why did you decide to hike?

Coming from the UK, I was aware of Bill Bryson, the American writer, as he wrote columns regularly in the UK. When A Walk In The Woods came out, I was so taken with the idea of hiking through America, from south to north, that it immediately went on my bucket list. Events came together to allow me the opportunity, especially after I sold my business at the end of 2013, so I went about preparing and executing the dream.

What was the most challenging part of the journey?

Getting up every day and knowing that I had to put in between 12 and 15 miles a day, whatever the weather and however I felt.

What was the most memorable part of the journey?

Being bitten by a dog in Virginia (getting cellulitis as a result) and finishing at Mt. Katahdin.

How did you feel after the hike was over?

I am only three weeks into that experience (as of October 2014). I was elated at the time and have received much attention from friends and acquaintances, as well as the press. However, I have found it difficult to focus and get back into my life. As to long term, I don’t feel that I have had sufficient time to articulate that feeling.

After: Steve Adams

After: Steve Adams

What did you gain from the experience?

Patience. A higher regard, and less fear, of nature. An appreciation of people different from me. An awareness that we have too much “stuff” that we really don’t need.

What are your goals for the future?

I will never hike again, though I’d like to take my blog as the basis for a book about hiking the trail as a novice.

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