I’m going on an adventure: my main emotions and concerns for the AT

For those who don’t know me, hi, I’m Lauren.

My life is really great. I am 25 years old, I have settled in a city that I love, I have had a stable job for three years, I have been with my partner for five and just a few weeks ago I bought my first house. So…

Why am I giving up all this to walk 2000+ miles through the woods?

My answer to this question is more complex than I initially thought, but I was able to summarize my wishes in the following 6 points:

• I want to satisfy my obsession. I have been drawn to the trail and fascinated with long distance hiking since I was 16 years old.
• I want to have a great adventure. Although the path is set for me, there are thousands of unknowns ahead.
• I want to develop resilience. Sure I will suffer but I will overcome the pain.
• I want to connect with nature. I hope to learn more about the natural environment on a deeper level.
• I want to maximize this opportunity. I’m at a good stopping point in my career to take a break, now is my chance.
• I want to use my body to its full potential. It’s time to see what I’m capable of!

How did I get into hiking?

My first backpacking experiences were at summer camp in the Adirondacks. Each session included a “3-day hike” where groups were sent out for 3 days and 2 nights with everything they needed behind them. To be honest, I didn’t really like these trips then, but they introduced me to the idea of ​​being self-sufficient in the forest. I gained a greater appreciation for the outdoors through family camping trips to the Lake George Islands, hiking in the Adirondacks and Vermont, and other summer backpacking and biking camps. There was one backpacking trip in particular where I fell in love with the idea of ​​hiking. I joined my brother for a short overnight weekend on Mount Ellen and Lincoln Peak, where we met a couple of Long Trail hikers, and the rest is history. I continued hiking the Long Trail, followed by the Northville-Placid Trail a few years later.

What am I most looking forward to along the way?

There are so many things that excite me, but a few stand out:

• Moving my body all day, every day.
• Spend almost all my time outdoors
• See wildlife and changing landscapes.
• Be surrounded by other like-minded people
• Get out of the routine that I have had for the last few years.
• Walking through the cities after days in the forest
• Getting comfortable in my hammock at the end of a long day

What do I least expect on the road?

I know this trip won’t be all sunsets and magical trails. Check out mDuJS. These are some of the things I fear:

• Being cold and damp, especially at night.
• Bugs buzzing around my face
• Foot pain and blisters.
• be thirsty
• Missing my partner and having fomo in my life at home.
• Hearing strangers snoring in and around shelters

What do I carry with me?

I’m proud of myself for keeping my base weight under 11 pounds. This is by far my lightest setup.

I have always loved using a hammock and plan to continue doing so during my hike. I will be trying the Dutchware Chameleon hammock for the first time. My full gear list is below!

I know this hike will be the most difficult yet, but I feel ready to take on the challenge. Here I come!

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