Allow Me to Introduce Myself
Hi! My name is Amy Long. I currently reside in Huntersville, North Carolina where I work as a nanny. This past December, I graduated from North Carolina State University where I studied International Studies. As graduation approached everyone kept asking me what I was going to do when I graduated and if I had a job lined up yet. I was like woah no. Im done with school. Im tired of working. Im finally free! I want to take a break, do something fun, go on an adventure. My moms friend (The Fam) asked if I had any interest in hiking the Appalachian Trail because now is the time to do it. Nope. Never thought about it. The idea was planted and continued to grow. I watched Surviving the Appalachian Trail, read Wild by Cheryl Strayed, and heard rave reviews from previous thru-hikers. In November, 2013 I said Im in.
I have little to no backpacking experience. When I say little, I mean I went backpacking at Camp Cheerio when I was 9 years old for one night and I dont remember it. I have one picture so I know it happened. The longest Ive gone without showering is well I havent gone any days in my adult life without showering, but I have gone 2 whole days without washing my hair because Ive been practicing. Showering is my favorite thing to do. Although Im lacking in the backpacking experience category, I DO have some hiking experience. Dont get it twisted.
There are a lot of reasons why Ive decided to hike the Appalachian Trail. Ive been in a funk for a while and I desperately need to get out of it. I spend most of my time working, squeeze in a work out a few days a week, come home, watch my shows (oh how I love my shows), and eat ice cream with my parents…every night. This is my life. I cant even believe Im typing this out. But the point is I used to be the fun friend that would go out and have crazy nights and awesome stories to tell. I had energy and a social life. I miss that. What happened to that person!? Now Im just this lame chick who eats ice cream with her parents and gets really tired. Theres got to be more to life.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail will give me the opportunity to become the person I want to be. Im entering into transformation mode. I want to get out of my current daily routine, be in the best shape of my life, meet awesome people, make new friends who also enjoy hiking, and be happy. My solo NOBO thru hike starts on April 5th, 2014. I cant wait!
-Amy
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