The Makings of a Wannabe Thru-Hiker
I never wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail.
Why in the world would I spend six months in the woods with no shower, no makeup, no beer, carrying everything I own on my back? No sane person would do this.
Though I tried hard to shake them off, thoughts of the trail kept nagging me.
Wouldnt it be so cool to see the country from backstage?
Can you imagine the strength you feel after overcoming such a feat of physical adversity?
You dont really need makeup anyway youre pretty without it.
I started learning everything I could about hiking and gear and the trail and realized that I actually can do this. This decision was probably made over a couple whiskeys. Youll learn that my worst decisions in life have been made over a couple whiskeys, but well talk about that a little later.
I had a backpack and a dream that was materializing right in front of my eyes. While the trail started as just a spark of an idea, Ive come to see my true reasons to take this hike.
Realize my strength
Life is tough, my darling, but so are you. Stephanie Bennett-Henry
Get Closer to Nature
Ive never been a God person, but I found myself sitting on a mountain in Colorado last summer writing in my journal when I looked up and saw the most magnificent sunset I had ever seen. The mountain in the distance was sucking in the clouds through its peak. The sky was light in one direction and the darkness of night was taking over in the other direction. No man could make something so stunning, so beautiful, so perfect. I was brought to tears as the final rays of sun shone through the clouds. It was then that I realized that God exists in the beauty all around us. I vowed to spend as much time as I could in the embrace of the trees and the mountains and the clouds and the water. Suddenly, nothing else mattered but that.
Run away from my problems
Not the best reason but Im being real. Ive made a lot of mistakes. I owe a lot of creditors money. Ive been irresponsible with relationships. Ive neglected adulthood. All of this catches up with you sooner or later, but my thinking was that if I kept ahead of the catching up, Id be OK. This reason has changed since the original decision was made. Im no longer running away from my problems, but Im running toward a solution. Im thinking about what skills this trail will give me to pick up the pieces of my life after its all said and done.
Figure out the important things in life
Last July, I packed up all the belongings I needed, threw them in the trunk of my car, and hit the road to travel the country. This was the beginning of my quest to live more simply. I still had a lot of conveniences compared to what Ill be taking with me on my trek, but Im really excited to continue my quest to find a more simple and small life.
Embrace the Suck
There are times when life sucks. Life is hard. We can either choose to give up or to keep fighting. Often in my life, Ive been the girl who runs away with my tail between my legs at the first sign of hardship. I dont want to be that girl anymore. There are times when the trail is going to suck. The payout of beautiful views, life experiences, and strong friendships will make it all worth it.
So here I am. With a crazy whiskey-breath idea, which turned into a dream, which turned into a plan. Im so excited for you to share this insanely harebrained journey with me as I trudge the road of happy destiny. Bill W.
Hop on in its going to be a wild ride.
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Comments 12
Hi
I think it’s awesome what you are doing. I would like to follow you on your journey.
Sincerely,
Jim
Thanks Jim! Excited to have you follow along! You can subscribe to my posts by clicking on my face at the top of the page and putting your email in. Or if you have Instagram I’ll be posting there more frequently. Just click on the camera icon below my name. 🙂
Hi Anna
Looks as though you are already fit but can you tell me what you’ve done physically the last 9 months to train and prepare for this hike in March?
Great question! So I’ve been lucky enough to hike some glorious trails in the Rockies but where I’m from, the ground is pretty flat. I found some elevation to practice, but had to drive quite a ways. That’s about all I’ve done. Just load my pack up and get out where and when I could. I do know some people who pack up and go to the gym…use the treadmill or stair climber. I’m just not a gym person. I have made an effort to get out when it’s rainy too, because hiking in the rain is different than hiking on dry ground. The point, I think, is to just get out there and do whatever works for your body.
Nice to meet a local. I’m leaving a few days before you. Hope to run into you.
Best of times in your journey from another wannabe thru hiker. I love your attitude and free spirit. Enjoy the beautys of our creator and the wonderful people that fill the spaces in between.
Thanks John! I love that…the spaces in between!
Hey Anna! I wore makeup on the trail (hence the Trail Name, Maybelline), and trust me, you will find plenty of beer along the way (and showers too)! Things will definitely suck at times, but I think that’s kind of the point – to commit to something even when it gets uncomfortable and we’re out of our comfort zones.
Couldn’t agree more! Cheers!
Bill and Dr Bob would be proud!
Love it!
A friend of Dr. Bob and Bill cheering you on.
Best of luck from Colorado