For those of you who don't know, I am planning a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail with a good friend of mine, Robbie. This is a 2,184 mile journey (at most recent count), from Springer Mountain, GA to Mount Katahdin, ME. The trail passes through 14 states along the way, and is the longest continually marked trail in the world. We are expecting it to take us five-six months. Over this time, we will be stoping every 4-10 days in small towns along the way to resupply, shower, update our blogs, and of course eat lots of delicious food! I hope that over the course of the journey I can keep my friends and family updated here, on this blog, and attempt to translate what it is like to walk 2,000 miles.
The first thing I will address is, "Why?" Many friends and family I have mentioned my adventure to are quite shocked when I say it will take half a year to complete, and a perplexing look comes over their faces. The best way I can think to explain it would be to quote George Mallory. When he was asked, "Why do you want to climb Mount Everest?" he simply responded, "Because it's there," and to you I respond the same thing.
Why thru-hike the Appalachian Trail? Because it's there. Because tens-of-thousands of people have volunteered hundreds-of-thousands of hours to maintain "a footpath for those who seek fellowship with the wilderness" (so read the plaques at both termini of the trail). Because it will be thrilling. Because it will be exhausting. Because I will get to spend 180 days at the whim of the elements. Because I can say I did it. Because a sunny day after a week of rain can provide more joy than winning the lottery. Because I will be a different person upon reaching the end, whether that be Mount Katahdin or not. Because I want to.
I suppose I will end with that elegant mind vomit of absurd reasoning. We are planning to hit the trail this Saturday (or Sunday) March 3, 2013 (March 4). I will post another update before we begin our trek, which will include a few mail stops along the way, so those of you who may feel inclined to mail treats may do so.
Kensey
