30.6 – The walk

8 days left

A little over a week after flying from Charleston, SC to Atlanta, GA, I find myself sitting in my comfortable chair, feet up, relaxing in my home office. This is my happy place, day to day, sitting here with a hot cup of coffee. I am surrounded by my artwork, stained glass, wood projects, and photographs of various destinations my family and I have traveled to. All my books are here. My stereo is here. This is where I feel most comfortable.

Over the course of the last few weeks, I’ve been gathering supplies, packing and unpacking, trying out new gear, and trying to get organized for the Appalachian Trail (AT). There have been numerous trips to REI and Publix. I think I have gotten enough “stuff” to pick and choose to survive in the wild. My backpack and anything I put in it will be my only possessions for the foreseeable future.

this is my life

Now that I’ve gathered everything I’ll potentially need, I’ve spread it out in my office. Clothes are on my work table, electronics are piled up next to my printer and office supplies, my sleep system takes up space on my nightstand, various computers and windows spend time together. It’s all one big room full of my life, all arranged in little piles. I am going from a quiet and comfortable life to a life in the “Green Tunnel”.

Needless to say, this “controlled chaos” I’ve been living in is probably driving my family crazy, ha! Walking around the house in hiking boots, eating like an animal, saving hours from sunrise to sunset. All of this is not typical for me, trying to live a life as if I were already on the path. Add to that the fact that I’m now unemployed to make these preparations, and it’s all a bit infuriating around here.

Weight

Much of the AT and hiking in general is about weight. To start, there is the actual weight. This is important because how much you weigh is related to how much you can carry (no more than 20% of your body weight). Having recently trained for and completed the Charleston Half Marathon, I believe my heart, lungs, and legs are in the best shape possible.

Then there is the weight of the package. From ultralight, lightweight, traditional and heavy, everything you put in your backpack adds up. That is why you should carefully consider each item you choose. Not only does the ounce matter, but you should also keep in mind that this is all you will be able to have with you for the next few months. Making smart decisions now is critical to the success of your routes in the future.

30.6 lbs. This is what it all comes down to. I have crossed the Arthur Ravenel Bridge several times with the full weight of my backpack to simulate the “useless ups and downs” of the AT. Living here in Charleston, we are relatively flat. My house, which is about 2.5 miles from the ocean, is about 11 feet above sea level. This is all I can do right now to prepare.

Optimistic

This trip will last about six months, from early spring to late summer, over 2,200 miles, and will be a mammoth task. Without having taken a single step in that direction, I already feel a sense of accomplishment. I’ve enjoyed my preparation, but now it’s time to sit back and watch the clock tick. Now is the time to spend it with my family and friends. It’s time to say goodbye to co-workers (shout out to store #812) and people I know. Now is the time to sit back and wait. February 28th will be pretty soon… I think I’m ready!

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