«So, when are you going?»: How a simple question set me on the path to the Appalachian Trail

How do you make the decision to leave your life behind for half a year and go live in the forest? There are probably as many answers to that question as there are hikers. For me there are two moments in particular that stand out. The first was when I contemplated the OT as something Yo could do. Not just thinking about it and entertaining it as a distant dream, but actually doing it. The second was when I made the final decision, and the rapid succession of steps that led me to a point of no return. In my case, both things happened abruptly, but nothing surprising.

The first experience of a hiking community.
In 2024 I hiked the West Highland Way in Scotland. Although I have quite a bit of experience hiking in Norway, the WHW was my first experience with a hiking community. This was my most challenging hike yet and I was able to experience camaraderie, blisters, exhaustion, and laughter with newly made friends.

During the week I spent on the trail, I was changed. Coming back later and reflecting on the walk, I realized why: When I walked, I really liked it. I enjoyed being part of a tram that, despite being very diverse and only connected for a week, created moments that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Fall in love with being on the road
I loved laughing out loud while eating dinner next to our tents. I loved running from my tent to the camp bathroom in the middle of the night hoping to outrun the mosquitoes. I loved the sunset in the highlands. I even laughed when I woke up in the middle of the night from what sounded like a dragon, but turned out to be hunger after not having eaten enough.

I wore my eleven blisters (horrible choice of footwear) proudly on that hike, while pushing my body further than ever before. But I also loved walking for hours and the experience of it all. I remember walking to the nearby pub with my tram one night. As we crossed a small river in flip flops and camping shoes, every step hurting after a long day, I thought, “even if I won a billion in the lottery tomorrow, there is nowhere I would rather be.” When I looked in the mirror at camp, I did so with pride and new strength. I liked who he was when he was there.

The AT started in Scotland
On our last night together, we talked about our dreams and hopes for future adventures. When my turn came, I confessed a dream about a day possibly hiking the Appalachian Trail. The only man in the group (hence, aptly, the name Strong Independent Woman) looked at me and asked clearly:

“So, when are you leaving?”

To my own amazement, my mouth proceeded to boldly say “2026,” two years in the future. Although I’m not sure anyone knew that was the case, it was the truth.

That doesn’t mean everything was easy from there to the exit. Hey, I’m not even gone yet! And it would take another year and a half and one incredibly boring dinner in Oslo until I fully committed to AT. But that’s a story for another time.

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