Questions for Family and Friends: The Trek

many questions

Once I announced that I intended to hike the Appalachian Trail, the questions I never expected began. Where will you shower? Won’t you smell bad? Where… are you going? Are you going to carry a weapon? Aren’t you at least taking bear mace? What does your wife think of this idea? So what will you do all day? What are you going to eat? How long will this take? Are you going alone? Aren’t you going to at least stay in hotels? Are you going to start a video page? Where can I keep up with everything you are doing that is so EXCITING?

For those of us who have decided that this was our calling, some of these questions are really out there. But what is really happening is that our friends and family are showing their concern for us in such a huge undertaking.

So, more directly, here are my answers to the questions I’ve been asked.

Where will I shower?

Hopefully weekly in a very nice place that doesn’t cost much. Yes, I’m sure I will and when my wife visits, I’m sure getting clean will be the first thing she should do.

Where will you go?

Many of the shelters on the AT have an outhouse, but I’m sure I’ll also learn the fine art of digging a cat den. (Yes, dig a hole, use it and then cover it again)

Are you going to carry a weapon?

No, I’m not carrying a gun, they’re heavy and most of the people I’ll encounter will be outside doing exactly what I’m doing.

Aren’t you at least taking bear mace?

Black bears generally don’t chase people, but I also hope I can outrun Big Man! (My suggested route name for my friend who hikes with me)

What does your wife think of this idea?

She suggested it first and also knows I should probably clear a lot of things up in my head.

What will you do all day?

Walking, eating, sleeping, doing laundry sometimes and looking for supplies.

What are you going to eat?

They’ll send us a lot of food via Hiker resupply boxes, but if we’re as hungry as I heard, I think we’ll get as much as we can!

How long will this take?

Quite a while. We will start carefully, without trying to overwork ourselves or injure ourselves. I estimate between 5 and 6 months.

Are you going alone?

No, one of my best friends and fellow retired firefighter (Big Man) and I will do it together.

Aren’t you going to stay in hotels?

There are very few of those in the forest.

Are you going to start a video page?

I don’t know yet. That’s a technology I haven’t followed yet.

Where can I keep up to date with everything you are doing? This is so exciting!

HERE AT TREK.CO

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