The Path from Georgia to Mighty Mouse

The first few days on the trail were a whirlwind to say the least. As much as I prepared before hand, I still was so far out of my comfort zone. It felt like an out of body experience where I was so nervous and emotional going into the first day, that my mind was far away while I planted myself right in the heart of the trail. My dad was there for me up until a road crossing on the Approach Trail. The last words he yelled to me were “Rock and roll, girl!” while waving me on 100 yards back. The support and love I felt from friends and family before starting was more than I could have ever asked for. We all had known my departure was close, so those last few weeks were really special. The hugs were tighter and smiles were deeper.

The first good friend I made on the trail was a hiker named Carl, who I eventually gave the trail name “Grizzly”. He started on the Approach Trail and hiked up until the 165 mile mark. He had family plans to get home to, but still wanted to do a solid section of the trail. While we hiked together, he offered me the trail name “Mighty Mouse”. I immediately shrugged it off, and I told him that we’ll wait to see what other names came about.

A few days later, I had to hike forward to resupply and ended up separating from him for a few days. While staying at the Top of Georgia Hostel, I linked up with a few other thru hikers. We instantly hit it off while bonding over town luxuries, and later continuing on the trail together. One day my friend Lil Blue was throwing around trail names for me, and out of no where he said “Mighty Mouse”. Keep in mind my friend Grizzly was still about a day behind us, and Lil Blue and him have never spoke. It was in that moment that I realized, well I guess that’s my trail name. Since then I’ve really embraced it, and my tramily has played the Mighty Mouse theme song so many times for me that I have it memorized.

Hitting the 100 mile mark was a really blissful moment, and then hitting the 200 mile mark was even better. I am so thankful to be out here, meeting people from all over, and experiencing the beauty of the trail. I’ve placed complete and utter trust in total strangers, who have yet to let me down (sorry mom and dad). I’ve grown to love the weight of my 30 pound pack that I’m so proud to carry up and down these mountains. Most of all, I’ve felt more like myself than ever before.

The moments out here are fleeting, but they’re so special and there’s a lesson or take away from each day. When the sun sets each day, it serves as a reminder for me to appreciate the day that passed and accept the things that might not have gone so well. Once the sun rises the next day, I’m filled with excitement and eagerness to reach my destination. This way of life is what I’ve been searching for. With all that being said, the glass is so full with 13 more states to walk through.

Until next time,
Mighty Mouse