Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is something I have considered for a long time... sort of a "Bucket List" kind of thing. But the time was never right. There was always work to be done or some show that I was working on or some other reason not to do it. Lately, it seems, I have become almost obsessed with the idea. This led to more reading and researching, which led to preparations like acquiring the gear that I would need (just in case.)
Now it seems that the time is right. I am planning to leave on the weekend of March 22, 2009. Before I go I will make a stop in Washington, D.C. to spend a couple days with my Mom in the nations capital (I haven't been since I was in my teens.) I am looking forward to that. I should be finishing up at Mt Katahdin (in ME) around 9/9/09. And I will also be taking a little detour in July to spend a week with my Dad and sisters while in NH. (Hopefully, I will have it timed right, so that I should be passing through NH anyway... or at least CT or MA --so someone can pick me up off the Trail, and then drop me back in the same spot so I don't miss a step!) Of course, we will need to find me a shower before I get too close to anyone!
I will probably make another post before I leave, then one from D.C., and then once I hit Springer Mountain in GA, I will try to post when I can... depending on when I can get phone service along the Trail. As part of my gear expenses, I invested in a real phone. Yes, I have parted with my 10 lbs "bag phone" with the cord from the battery pack to hand set. This is the first time I ever bought a cell phone (I usually just get the one that comes free with the service.) The iPhone will allow me to upload pictures and text to this site (and a whole lot of other things that I'll figure out when I get back.)
My goal, of course, is to Thru-hike the AT (here comes the disclaimer) but I have had a recurring calf injury which is the reason I am officially retired from dancing. I am fairly confident I can do this, but I may end up doing it in sections (depending on how the leg handles the hike.) Also, since I made the decision to make the hike, I have been very excited. Now that the departure date is getting closer, the logistics of the trip is really starting to sink in. I will be outdoors for six months! Is that crazy or what?
Hopefully my posts from the Trail will give you a flavor of what it's like. I will do my best to keep you informed of where I am and how I'm surviving. Wish me luck.
I will miss you all while I'm gone.
Peace and Love,
-------Nick