Becoming Zachsquatch

On March 3rd a journey began that transformed a civilized man named Zach into an obscure creature of the woods named Zachsquatch.  When Zach went out into the woods he thought he would be struggling like that of a worm in the middle of a parking lot on a hot summers day with no chance for survival.  But once Zach became Zachsquatch all of the worm worries were defenestrated and the party began.

Twenty-three days have passed since I first stepped foot on the Approach Trail in Amicalola Falls and I feel as if I have grown exponentially in the way of manliness, happiness and smelliness. (I smell bad enough that I’m allowed to create new synonyms for the the word smelly).  I eat as much food as my jaws can handle, I climb up and down mountains with olympian-like fervor and I’ve learned to ignore the grueling pain that creeps into your hands when temperatures are below freezing.

One of the things that surprised me about the AT that I didn’t expect to find has been the sense of community that exists between my fellow thru hikers and I.  If it weren’t for the morale support of the friends I’ve made on the trail, in towns and in shelter’s along the AT this journey would be a great deal more difficult than it has been.

Next time I get to a computer I’ll be giving a description on the five strangest happenings I’ve experienced on the AT.  Believe me, you don’t want to miss my next post.

P.S.

Sorry for the delay on my first blog post from the AT.  It turns out that technology is not so readily available in the Appalachian Mountains as it is back home in Kentucky.  The best way to keep up to date with my trip would be to follow my Instagram account (Zach_Barger)

Over and out,

Zachsquatch