Saturday, April 13, 2013

Anticipation & anxiety

So my thru-hike journey along the Appalachian Trail has begun. Actually, the journey began months ago when I decided to commit to the 2,180 mile hike through 14 states. The months of preparation and tying up of loose ends have been intense, demanding, and at times overwhelming.

As I sit on the MARTA train on the way to North Springs station, I'm ready to get on the trail to experience what I have only been able to imagine a radical 6-month lifestyle change would be. But first, I'll bunk-up tonight at the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega, about an hour North of Atlanta by car. After breakfast at the hostel, they'll drive me (as well as other hikers) to the path which is a short hike up to the Southern terminus where I guess I'll snap a few photos before taking my first steps on to the trail.

If you're reading this you are probably family or a close friend, so I hope I'm able to update frequently so you can follow along with my adventure. I look forward to sharing my experiences!

11 comments:

  1. Yea! Can't wait to read all about it! Good luck Ad!

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  2. Looking forward to your comments about this adventure. I hope that you got off to a great start with some beautiful weather.

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  3. I've been thinking about you since you left and I'm so worried that you'll get lots of blisters and feel miserable. Even if you do, don't give up....keep on going, picturing yourself at Katahdin. Julie said your journey will be a part of our family legend. Big hugs

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    1. Having a great time, even trudging through the cold rain today. Giving up isn't even a thought!

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  4. Denise left this message on FB...Let him know that if he needs any supplies (or a day off) when he gets up to the Shenandoah National Park--I live near the Swift Run Gap park entrance (approx. 40 mi. north of I-64)."

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    1. It will be quite a while before I make it up there, but great to know. Thanks!

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  5. I don't see the 2 comments I left or the one Laura left. Have you seen them?

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    1. I guess they didn't show up because of the previous settings. Hopefully that's been corrected..

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  6. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU FOR TAKING THIS ADVENTURE ON!! WE WANT TO MEET UP W/ YOU THIS SUMMER IN VA. TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHERE AND WHEN WE CAN MEET- DO YOU HAVE ANY TYPE OF TIMETABLE YET? i KNOW THAT THE BOOK I READ ABOUT THE GUY WHO ALSO DID IT, HAD TO HIKE SOME 20 MILE DAYS- I GUESS YOU HAVE TO BUILD UP TO THAT THOUGH!!!! WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!! IF YOU FEEL DISCOURAGED, REMEMBER THE AUNT KATHIE STORIES'!!!!!!!!!!

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  7. Addy, my mom is computer challenge so fyi - any time someone leaves a comment is all caps and anonymous....its her!! :) hahaha! Love you!

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  8. no true, I'm the first anonymous comment, but will eventually remember my login info. (Laura K)

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