ology n, pl. a science or other branch of knowledge
[C19: abstracted from words with this ending, such as theology, biology, etc; see -logy]
Green Tunnel from Kevin Gallagher on Vimeo.
The Appalachian Trail, a continuous 2189.2 mile footpath stretching through 14 states from the summit of Springer Mountain, Georgia to the top of Mount Katahdin, Maine. This year an estimated 2,500 people started from Springer and only 519 of those made it to Katahdin (only 21%). On March 16, 2015 I will start walking from Springer Mountain and attempt to be one of the select few that can call themselves a "thru hiker".
Until a few years ago, I had always just pictured the trail as really long dirt path that went northward...Then I saw this video and quickly became entranced by walking the trail end to end. The mystique and beauty of the Appalachian Mountains drew me in, but it was the culture and history of the trail that really solidified my obsession with becoming a thru hike.
Whenever I tell someone about my plans for the coming months I am usually met with a few different reactions. The most common reactions can be summed up as: "Wow. That is pretty awesome!" and "Wait, you are doing what? Why?" The former gets me pretty pumped for what is to come while the latter really makes me think about what it is I am about to get myself into. Why am I doing this to myself? Why am I about subject myself to the constant aches, pains, and days on end of being totally drenched in rain?
I have contemplated the answer to this question for the better part of a year. I have a few different answers, but one sticks out in particular. Because, it is worth it. When you have a goal in life, you will always be met with resistance. This resistance only makes you stronger as a person and better prepares you for new forms of resistance along your journey. The rain is temporary, my legs will become stronger, the trail is my journey, and my goal is Katahdin.
What started as a simple YouTube search of the "Appalachian Trail" has really snowballed into what I hope to be a life changing adventure. I am hoping to update this blog periodically with pre-trail planning and stories of what life is like on the trail. Stay tuned!
Until a few years ago, I had always just pictured the trail as really long dirt path that went northward...Then I saw this video and quickly became entranced by walking the trail end to end. The mystique and beauty of the Appalachian Mountains drew me in, but it was the culture and history of the trail that really solidified my obsession with becoming a thru hike.
Whenever I tell someone about my plans for the coming months I am usually met with a few different reactions. The most common reactions can be summed up as: "Wow. That is pretty awesome!" and "Wait, you are doing what? Why?" The former gets me pretty pumped for what is to come while the latter really makes me think about what it is I am about to get myself into. Why am I doing this to myself? Why am I about subject myself to the constant aches, pains, and days on end of being totally drenched in rain?
I have contemplated the answer to this question for the better part of a year. I have a few different answers, but one sticks out in particular. Because, it is worth it. When you have a goal in life, you will always be met with resistance. This resistance only makes you stronger as a person and better prepares you for new forms of resistance along your journey. The rain is temporary, my legs will become stronger, the trail is my journey, and my goal is Katahdin.
What started as a simple YouTube search of the "Appalachian Trail" has really snowballed into what I hope to be a life changing adventure. I am hoping to update this blog periodically with pre-trail planning and stories of what life is like on the trail. Stay tuned!
