I start my AT thru-hike in 34 days. I am scared to death. But I also can’t wait. It is this combination of feelings that has made me decide to do it.
Why hike the AT? Why submit myself to 5 months of walking up and down hills and mountains in all types of weather, submit myself to aches and pains and blisters and loneliness and monotony? Why, you ask? Well, why not?
To me, thru-hiking the AT is a personal challenge. It is doing something I love—hiking, being outdoors—while also challenging myself to push through things I do not like. It is rare that one is faced with such a clear-cut challenge and I think that is part of the appeal to me. Either walk the 2000+ miles, or give up and stop. Sure, there a lot of other factors that play into it, but that is what it boils down to. And I want to see if I can do it.
Testing myself isn’t the only reason for hiking the AT. It would be kind of silly if it were—I can test myself in many ways so why go out to the woods to do that. I also want to get away. Not that it is bad to be connected, but I find myself so wrapped up in the repetitive nature of daily life, concerned with what others are doing and how I compare. Always connected through email, text, internet, etc. I find myself worrying about trivial things and lose sight of what really matters and what I really value. Not that the AT will change me in a way that will make me forever alter this mindset. However, the break from my comfort zone and daily life appeals to me. Concerns about meeting basic needs–what to eat, where to sleep–will replace these trivial worries. I’m hoping to be freed from these petty worries and to live in the moment, day-to-day. And hopefully in the process come away with some type of lasting appreciation and understanding of what really matters.
Also, it’s pretty badass to hike the AT. I want to embark on an adventure, to have crazy experiences. When deciding whether or not to hike the AT, I found myself making excuses why I couldn’t or shouldn’t do it. No, I need to find a job, find an apartment, start a career. But why do I need to do those things now? These are obviously important, but when I really considered my reasons for looking for a job right after tutoring, for instance, it was more because I felt expected to rather than because I really desired one or immediately needed one. I will always have excuses NOT to hike the AT and if I let them deter me, I will never hike it. I at least have to try. And what better time than now? If I really think about it, now is the ideal time—a break in my job, my living situation, I’m young, fit, and healthy.
This has been my thought process. There are other reasons that factored into it, but overall this is why I’m doing it. I realize I am extremely lucky to even have the option of doing a crazy thing like hike for five months. I am so grateful to have this opportunity and also have the support of my friends and family. I know it will not be easy. I don’t think I’ve even come to understand how difficult it will be at times. But I’m as ready as I can be.
It is going to be awesome. 34 days.