If you made it to this blog, it means you are somewhat interested in my Appalachian Trail thru hike. I’ll try to not be boring, but I can’t promise anything.

The idea to hike the AT came to me while drinking, as these things often do, at an after party some time back when I played roller derby. Somebody there was planning to start their own thru hike and I yakked at them at length about their supplies and route. I get chatty when I drink.

I didn’t realize it then, but a bug got hold of me, and ever since have toyed with the idea of going myself. Life got in the way and I would forget and rediscover this latent desire of mine many times. It wasn’t until recently (meaning the past year) that I decided that 2018 was the year it is going to happen. And here I am, about to depart tomorrow to Springer mountain and undertake a monumental journey of epic proportions (for me anyway).

I’m 37 and haven’t been without a job or working towards one longer than a two months since I was 18. I have never been apart from my family for longer than three months. I’m overweight, out of shape and in no way physically or mentally prepared for this. If I waited for either of those stars to align, I’d never go.

But I’m going to do it anyway.

So if you feel like following along, check back here. I’m sure I’ll post of few times with some thoughts on the trail.