SO MOM, GUESS WHAT I WANT TO DO AFTER COLLEGE?
Those intriguing words strung together in an unassuming nonchalant conversation belied an answer I would not have dreamed of. After all, four years of college tuition to prepare a young adult for the grown up world of finding a job and earning ones way in the big bad world seemed like a reasonable answer to her query. Lols, evidently not. Rather, she uttered I want to hike the AT and since I dont graduate until May, I will have to do it SOBO, the hard way. To wit, I responded, AT? As in Appalachian Trail, AT? Nah like, seriously as in s.e.r.i.o.u.s.l.y.? Well, when and with whom would you hike it with and what the hell is SOBO?
SERIOUSLY, ARE YOU HIKING ALONE?
That apparently was the $64 question and I tripped right into it when she said she really couldnt think of anyone that she could be around for that length of time and under those difficult circumstances. I heard myself chirp, Gee, I would do it. Yup, you saw it coming didnt you she responded that she could see herself doing it with me. Yes, and henceforth, that is how I officially invited myself on her trek. I admit, I kinda walked around a bit flummoxed and panicked but then I thought, oh no problem, my husband will likely dissuade the idea. You, brilliant person that you are, saw this coming as well surprise, surprise, after gazillion years of marriage, my husband thought it a capital idea since this way our daughter would not be braving the wild alone Ahem WHAT?! Wait! Hang on here youre already like okay with this insanity?! Then, after a while, the enormity of the undertaking settled into the fabric of our minds and as the family pulled together, a plan evolved: the gals do the hiking, the guys will be ground support.
BYE HONEY, SEE YA IN 5 MONTHS. Oh, and btw, NO HITCH-HIKING & DONT LET THE BEARS GET OUR DAUGHTER!
Ha ha dont get me wrong, I love the outdoors, was the Girl Scout Troop Leader for years, spent what seemed an eternity outside braving the elements while Alexa practiced and competed from Vermont to Florida on horseback, had my own adventures camping, skiing and hiking but this was a horse of a different color. Especially once I did a bit of research: 2,200 miles, 16 Mount Everest equivalent, 5,000,000 steps, 14 states, 5 months! Never one to be picky or overly girlie, the lack of bathing and decent food along with poo-ing in the woods were somewhere at the very bottom of the ick list – well below the refrain of dueling banjos re-looping in my mind. God! I was having a nightmare with my eyes open, while AWAKE. Yay kill me now!
A SEED IS PLANTED
But, but, B.U.T. once the idea had been planted, I couldnt shake just how much I wanted, really and truly W.A.N.T.E.D., to do this and do it with my daughter. I adore her and I also LIKE her and respect her: shes cute, funny and smart and totally kicks ass. I couldnt think of a more amazing adventure to share with her E P I C.
AM I GOOD ENOUGH?
I seriously have fears that I wont be able to keep up or that I will fail her on multiple levels. But, this is a partnership and we each bring skills to the trail and we will both be tested and bested by experiences and challenges and we will have to rely on each other as women in new ways. So, in the end, I set those concerns aside and figured if she thinks Im good enough to hike with, then so be it: in for the penny, in for the pound. Anyway, as our homework progressed and days passed, our excitement over the prospect of undertaking this challenge solidified and before we knew it, we were c.o.m.m.i.t.t.e.d. In August as she left for Fall semester of senior year, we made a pact: If one of us, for whatever reason, even at the very last minute decided that she was backing out, there would be no recriminations or anger. We parted laughing at the prospect of what our trail names might wind up being
FAST FORWARD HOLY CRAP! THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING!!!
When first conceived, I knew hiking the AT would be an amazing challenge of epic mental and physical proportions. Never did I consider how much time (and trips to REI), energy, training and $$$ would be spent preparing before the first step (Still 3 months away) could be taken.
TO DO/DONE LIST:
Flight from Washington DC to Bangor Maine: BOOKED
Shuttle from Bangor to Katahdin Stream Campground (KSC): BOOKED*
KSC: Lean-to: BOOKED
Registration ATC-Baxter State Park Start Date for AT Thru-Hike: DONE
ATC & AMC & LNT Memberships: PAID
AT Guide 2017 SOBO: RECEIVED & MARKING UP & DOG-EARED!!!
TRAIL ANGELS: Zero day hostesses: Sara, NH; Deb, NY; Linda, PA; Joyce, MD; Lore, VA; Nancy, NC
REI Gear purchases: Mostly DONE weighing, re-weighing, editing, trying out, freaking out
AT Re-Supply Location List: DONE, REDONE, REDONE AGAIN, FINALIZED, RE-FINALIZING – OMG I CAN’T LOOK AT THIS ANYMORE!
AT Vegan Dehydrating Food Staples: DOING, DOING, STILL DOING, NEVER ENDS
Mail Drop Boxes & Labels: TO DO … SO PUTTING THIS OFF!!!
Bounce BOX: FILLING IT
TRAINING: Yeah, yeah, yeah ON-GOING DAILY GRINDING JUST DOIN IT!!!
I dont have butterflies in my belly, more like tunneling bugs! We are so stoked to start this adventure!!!
Wanna read more stuff? Check out my blog: www.JustSkedaddle.wordpress.com/
Instagram: #Just_Skedaddle WEBSITE: www.KateStillwellPhotography.com
* Shout out to our shuttle angel, Bryant @ www.MaineQuestAdventures.com
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Comments 6
Very excited for both my niece and sister but worried as hell. It will be quite the adventure of a lifetime-kudos!
Really appreciate your positive energy and support!!! XOXO
Good luck and happy trails, Kate and Alexa!!
Thank you Ranie!?? We will be like a couple or loony ??
Amazing is your middle name, Kate. I always enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to following you assiduously on the AT…
Merci et Bises!!!