Fall in love with the AT

This year I turn 50 years old.

Crazy. Those born in 1976 are known as “Bicentennial Babies.” For history nerds, this year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.” My mom always said, ‘I’m kind of important.’ Moms are always right.

Since I’m approaching the big 5-0 and beginning my newfound independence on the Appalachian Trail, I thought I’d share a couple of things I’ve noticed.

First. My body hurts. I made a YouTube video about all the training I had to do to prepare for the trail. It hasn’t been easy. The best advice I have for you. Don’t stop moving.

I’m pretty sure our 90-year-old friend Dale “Graybeard” Sanders would say the same thing! If you haven’t heard, he’s trying to set the world record this year as the oldest person to climb the AT! He is quoted as saying, «Spending time outdoors in nature, staying mobile, and being passionate about something is the key to longevity. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do something.» I couldn’t agree more! *Hi grandma, I’ll see if I can get your number!

Second. I’ve experienced some AMAZING musical styles before this adventure. The day I was born, one of the most iconic songs, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” was in heavy rotation. I’m pretty sure you’re at least humming the tune in your head right now. It’s hard not to.

Also, that year, one of my favorite artists of all time, Aerosmith, had a number one hit, «Dream On.» I think they had a significant influence on my obsession with 80s Glam Rock. I would lie in my bed and look at the posters on the wall. And yes, my cool parents even let me put up some of the Hair Band posters, like Poison, Skid Row, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, Tesla, and of course Aerosmith (although they didn’t like all the tacks on the wall). Talk about a dream time! *Look at those bangs!!

What does this have to do with hiking?

Music has always been a way for me to express myself and, honestly, a way to escape the madness of what’s going on in the world around me. Well, so is hiking! As Aerosmith would say in their song, “Living on the Edge,”

There is something wrong in the world today
I don’t know what it is
Something is wrong with our eyes
We are seeing things in a different way.
And God knows it’s not yours
I’m sure it’s no surprise.
Living on the edge

Hiking takes me out of the world and into the beautiful expression of God’s creation, where I am free to be me. I can escape the madness of the world and experience the sounds of nature, the kindness and compassion of others caring for each other, and at the same time be strong in my body and my true self. Express and discover who I am. Not who others want or expect me to be. It’s liberating in many ways!

Music is expressive too! There are many different styles and expressions, just as there will be many states, terrains and challenges throughout the AT. I’m curious to see how each section will sing to me. What will the weather be like? Will there be a lot of snow/ice? Will I be alone or with other people? How about bears or wildlife? Will there be many stones? How muddy is Vermont really?

Fall in love with the AT

I have always believed that music and nature go hand in hand. I’m amazed at how much music I hear creation make while I’m out hiking! There is no denying that they belong to each other. Listen to the birds singing their beautiful morning songs, the babbling of the streams and the whistling of the wind. Just watching the trees dance in response! Sometimes I can’t help but join them in a song. *Look at my stick microphone when I was a kid!

I have decided that I want to dedicate a “love song” to each section of the trail as I complete it. That’s what we used to do on Friday nights when I was in high school. We would call the radio station and ask them to dedicate a song to that special person. Then we would sit and listen to the radio for hours, waiting for it to come on! Fascinating, I know. Maybe you need help choosing the best 80s love songs to dedicate to them! *Hopefully there will be no breakup songs!

Well, then I’m leaving! For the dream of reaching Mount Katahdin, also known as: Mama K, on ​​(or near) my 50th birthday. After all, I have been a Prayer Walker for 12 years. I have waited and dreamed of this moment for a long time. This is very important to me, but like I said, mom had complete trust in me. And she was always right.

*Mom always made sure our family took an annual trip to the Smoky Mountains every year. Hello, Gray Beard, Grandma is here in the white sweater!

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