Day 11

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4/8/13 by Vic

Well if I learned anything from lasts night sleep, it's that you don't set up your tent on a hill. At the time of finding a site and setting up my Big Agnes (2 person) tent I thought everything was level. Well after crawling into my tent for the night and my muscles relaxed, I slowly rolled to right side of my tent. Ohh boy. Well in efforts to still salvage a good nights sleep, I actually slept on the foot of my tent and used my sleeping pad as a barrier to stop rolling to the side of my tent. Ahh innovation of the tired and sleepy.

This morning we all roll out of our tents Round 7:30am and slowly cook breakfast and take down our site. With some great company of friends (of which we bonded with the night before) we continue the banter from which we ended and all part ways ( heading in the same direction, but at various intervals as we all take off at our own pace).

A this point in our journey I have learned that I am a fast hiker. It's something about the uphills that I just want to conquer. Once I feel these muscles start to burn, and beads of sweat roll down my face and dive off my brow, nose or chin, I get into my competitive mode. It's sort of like working out or when your on a treadmill. You know there is an end to your strenuous activity, so you just keep going till you reach your mark, or summit of the hill - just to do it all over again in another half mile. I have also realized that I use much of my arms when going up hill. Using my Leki poles, I dig them into the ground just behind me and to my side and push myself up the hill giving me quads a break from all the work. I find this to be very advantageous for me as my swimmers build gives me some of the upper body strength I need to flow steadily up the ascents.

Knowing all of this, I have now started hiking on my own and have been meeting up with the rest of the crew in the evening hours. This allows me to prepare the bag line, fire pit, clothes line and check out the nearby water (if any) all before they arrive.

During today's hike I started listening to my audio books from LibriVox. If you don't know what this is, it's a online site where you can download audio recordings of books that are in the public domain (mainly older books that have been out for over 20 years and several renditions of the book can be found). Anywho, I started listening to "The adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain. I thought this would be appropriate due to my current occupation. Additionally I have deprived myself of childhood stories such as this due to my lack of interest in reading as a much younger youth (and even now). Well let me tell you, today's 11.7 mile hike went by so quickly ( 28 chapters later). Don't worry though I only keep one ear on plugged in while the other senses are still fully looking for the dangers within the AT.

I have come to realize there are all sorts of people on the trail and they come from all "walks" of life. You find this out in your "elevator" speech as you leap frog each other in the trail or perhaps over the evening camp fire. Of course there are some people you click with and others you would just rather hide in your tent instead of interacting with. This same thing could be said if you took a sample of people in your office building or grocery store. With that said you easily find commonalities with everyone. Mine is usually a connection to where they live (Michigan, Chicago, San Fran, and LA). However if there is not a connection there you can always fall back on... Hiking the the Appalachian Trail.

TOTALS
Pooped in the woods: 7
Wildlife: Squirrel, Birds, Catapiller, Black flies, Beatle, Ants, spiders
Miles Hiked: 90.7
Don't want to admit: It has taken me many tries to light a fire VS my 1 match it usually takes.
Lesson learned: It's great not be the first person on the trail in the morning. Let other people walk through the spider webs first.
Hiking Quote: God made dirt and dirt don't hurt.
Trail names I have came across: grey beard, just, pro tip, wild man, homeward bound, mammoth, squirrel, 22, machete
Food: Instant Mashes potatoes and SeaBear smoked salmon
Blisters: 0

Day 3 -11

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3/31 - 4/8 by Lauren

I'd like to preface by saying that a LOT has changed since I wrote my first entry on the evening of day two. I wish I could say that what I refer to as 'changed' in the last couple of weeks is that they've been extremely eventful and exciting.. Lol.. Okay, it's been lovely in many ways, its just that the speed at which I am accepting this new lifestyle is not quite as propelling as I'd hoped. I'm not sure if I expected to assimilate automatically as much as I just didn't really think about it all that much. You may think that it might be crazy to make a decision to leave your life for 5 months without really thinking.. And I must admit I don't really have a rebuttal. The things I know: I love hiking. I needed a monumental change. So I suppose this equaled: Appalachian Trail?!

Well instead of over analyzing my thoughts I will just jump into the highlights of the last 2 weeks. ;) Day 3: I woke up refreshed and feeling quite wonderful. We heard that a storm might be headed our way so we packed in a way that left our rain gear accessible. After hiking 2-3 miles it did in fact start to rain so we stopped at a shelter to reassess. Bo decided to take the day off from hiking and set up camp right then and there. Vic, Eric, and I decided to cover ourselves in our rain shells and truck on.

The best thing about Gor-tex rain gear is that it DOES keep that rain out. The not so great= it causes you to sweat and squeak and feel like you are looking at the outside world through a plastic rain-proof bubble. :p ..By the end of the hike all of the previous feelings of bliss, energy, and oneness with my surroundings was GONE.. Rudely replaced with aching muscles, lack of breath, and an enormous yearning for a nice hot bath and the newest episode of Grey's Anatomy.

By the time we reached the highest peak of the day's mileage I literally could not place one foot in front of the other. To this moment I cannot fathom what changed so much in one day; how I could go from so happy and free to a wet crippled mess. The boys could certainly see how much pain I was in. It would've been obvious to anyone. I'm almost certain that they were only able to recognize me from my purple rain jacket and not the angry, sputtering, hunched old Gollum like creature that was huffing up the last steps of the hill.

Eric seemed worried (or perhaps scared) so he offered to set up camp right there on the top of the peak. At that point I really should have dove into my tent and prayed for sleep but instead I decided I would read a little to take my mind off the exhausting day. As soon as my book mentioned how often trees fall over and crush campers (poor choice of reading material- I know) I was wide awake and counting all of the many trees surrounding our tent, complete with muddy, sopping ground, which to me meant muddy soppy trees roots ready to let go of all that was life. Oh goodness, that was a hard night. The next day I awoke FAR from refreshed and we continued our hike after a couple of hours of sun-drying our gear.

It really was a miraculous view to wake up to. Eric and Vic had selected quite the spot. I only wish I could have been in the state of mind to appreciate such a thing. The hike that day (or should I say my mood) pretty much mirrored the day prior. My strength had been replaced by muscles that didn't even feel sore, they felt INJURED. Now I am aware that I am not actually injured, however I really wish someone could tell the pain signals to my brain. Would this rude awakening happen to anyone who is suddenly carrying a cement block and hiking about 6 hours a day MORE than my favorite Palos Verdes day hike? Well, perhaps.. But Eric and Vic seem FINE. Better than fine even. Elated, happy, joyful.. Joking and playing around every chance they get.. Hmm. ;)

We reached Neels Gap the night and opted for a cabin. One day to reenergize lifted my outlook incredibly. The next morning we took our backpacks down to the local store to once and for all find out the weight we've actually been lugging around with us. Keep in mind this is after we've dropped quite a bit of weight through a bounce box and simply sending items back home. Vic's pack= 44 pounds. Eric's pack 49 pounds. My pack= 42 pounds. FORTY-TWO pounds??!!! How is it possible that my pack is only 7 pounds lighter than my boyfriend, Eric's pack, who is 60 pounds heavier than me? As a small female at 108 pounds, I was instantly, and some might say unwarrantedly, ANGRY. In my mind I started blaming all the extra weight on Eric's over eating (he does NOT over eat as much as I tend to under eat- I was obviously being irrational) and furiously charged ahead on that days hike for the first couple of hours until the anger wore off and I could actually discuss it with him like a normal person. lol! That night, however, I went to sleep in a much better state of mind. Vic found a lovely spot on top of hill and lookout point. We made a huge fire and although it was cold and windy the fire and movement kept us warm until bed time. I fell asleep with the intention of healed aches and pains and a new start.

We awoke to .. an ice storm. I keep making fun of Eric when he describes it as this, as it sounds so melodramatic, but this really was what it was. Eric and I huddled in our tent for an hour or so debating on whether or not to leave our cozy sleeping bags. Finally Eric decided there was no way that we could venture out in the freezing sleeting storm. He momentarily stepped out to talk with Vic, saying the weather outside was as bad as it seemed, and then coming back 2 minutes later saying Vic was already packed up and there was no turning back. I had already mentally prepared myself for the worst so I bravely stepped outside the tent's protective shelter.

It was not AS bad.. It was much worse. Picture the scene from Forest Gump when Lieutenant Dan is egging on the storm with all its wind, rain, and furry.. but now picture ice. OKAY.. I may be reaching, but it FELT like that to ME. I happen to be a California girl and am accustomed scarves and gloves on a 70 degree day, if I must tell the truth. Eric and Vic broke down the tent in record time and we were off into the freezing wind of the A.T. Instead of going over every moment of the day's hike, I will just say that it was filled with a lot of cursing (at the weather), slipping, and miserable energy. This time it was not just me, but Eric as well, and I must admit that it made me feel better that we were both finally on the same page! Haha! At one point I could have sworn I had frostbite on my fingers (my gloves had completely soaked through) and I'm pretty sure I heard Eric mutter, "I think my shoulder is broken". The misery of that day actually kept us together, while Vic gallivanted off like it was 80 degrees at the Spring Fair.

We ended up finding Vic at a shelter about 7 miles down the trail, happily drinking a hot spicy concoction he had cooked over his camp stove. So far it seems weather just does not affect him? Eric and I jumped into our tent as fast as it was up but not before learning some helpful tips from some fellow hikers like using socks for hand gloves in desperation, and setting up the entire tent in the shelter and then picking it up to move it outside in the rain. Now I realize that this day could've been anything I wanted it to be and I really am coming to terms with not allowing pain and the cold reflect how I'm feeling. Even in the harsh reality of pushing myself as hard and as fast as I could hike in a very uncomfortable environment, it really was a very beautiful day. Ice was frozen to every tree of the forest and gave the woods a very surreal beauty.

The next morning was beautiful and sunny. Eric and I slept in a bit and spent hours hang drying our wet clothes, mats, and gear. The air was chilly but the sun raised our spirits 100%. We sped through our hike with seemingly endless energy. It was a wonderful day. After clouds there really is sunshine. I literally had the song running through my head, "the sun will come out tomorrow.. Lalala"! Funny how weather can affect one's mood so exponentially. Or perhaps it was mostly the comparison of the two days. Whatever it was, it was wonderful. This outlook has seemed to stick. It has been a beautiful last couple of days and I have enjoyed them to there fullest. Sure, my muscles still ache. My energy tops off at around 7 miles and I start to completely lose it (emotionally and physically) but I feel that I am getting stronger. I know I have not developed my 'trail legs' YET and that everyday will have many challenges but will also include a stronger version of myself. Well.. Here's to hoping.. ;)

Day 10

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4/7/13 - by Bo

I jumped off the trail to get into neels gap and had to avoid the storm. Everyone will meet me at the cabins later to get outa the rain. Getty sleep and enjoyn the simple things in life. Ganna try and ditch about 20 lbs tomorrow so I can be lighter. My pack has a broken strap so it's tougher to walk and readjust before I head back out.

We got dropped off at dicks creek gap amd put In 10 miles and enjoyed some great comrodery around the camp fire, kinda reminds me of why I'm Doin this... Vic is determined and it helps keep motivated, but I need to relax and remember this is by choice. Meet some likeminded people form all over. Enjoying the excercise and friendships the most outa this experience so far. Ps everything hurts!

Got off the trail a ill early so I could get a massage and the crew will hike in tomorrow, micro hotel is nicer than Safire or budget, but no hikers... To meet people go to Safire plus u get the free ride from the shuttle .

Now at Safire with Eric and the crew and going to Mexican while doin laundry and enjoyn the simple things like running water electricity and a toilet,

Day 4,5 & 6

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4/5 by Vic

4/2/13 Woke up in an actual bed. Up to this point I have been somewhat of a gypsy for the past month sleeping on living room floors, couches, futons and of course my sleeping bag. You see, when I left California over a month ago I went to work with my previous marketing companies. This entailed putting on several hats, all of which fit just fine. Well, thanks to my Great Friends (mainly the two who man my "command center" - AR & BF, I know have a little earned cash in my pocket to spend on jerky, mashed potatoes and 4oz canisters of fuel. The point is, it feels great to wake up in a bed.

After a slow start to the morning (nothing unusual to this group) and a Starbucks Via packet blended with hot cocoa powder (yum), we begin to reevaluate our gear in our packs, reset our minds and decide to take a zero day.

Zero Day: a day of not hiking and nor accumulating miles toward your goal or destination.

When I first left the Hikers Hostel five days ago my pack weighed just over 50lbs (with food and water). It's time to trim the fat. Now that we really got to experience what the next 5 months are going to be like, we are able to make semi sound decision on what we shoulda send home and what we should bounce to ourselves in the near future.

Bounce Box: Supplies you send yourself down further along the trail. This usually resupplies certain toiletries, medicine, food or weather regulated clothing.

I ended up sending home: Belt - too thick and cuts into my hips when wearing with a heavy backpack GoPro2 - I lent Bo this, but as it turns out, out his phone seems to me more functional Fleece Jacket - it was between this and my hoody. I'll miss you Nalgeen - A while back ago someone advised me to bring 1L smart water bottles instead. This was good advice as it is very sturdy, light weight and collapses easily. Other: GoPro accessories, extra toiletries, compression strap, data book,

All the others sent home items of the same caliber. Mainly repetitious items or gear they could easily downsize in weight with a new purchase from the outfitters store in Neels Gap.

Bo joins us in the afternoon as he has taking a liking to slack packing and will most likely choose this method for the rest of the trip.

Slackpacking/Yellow blazing: A form of hiking that allows you to hike but still enables you to spend the night indoors. Usually you bring a 7-15lb mini backpack or enlarged fannypack and hike the trails. You end up near a hostel/B&B/hotel or are picked up near a road intersection and brought to lodging for the night.

Bo also brought us some delicious snacks and meat for dinner. What a little trial angel he can end up being. Sounds like it could be a win win for everyone. The rest of the afternoon is spent catching up and planning for the next week. We get to the Mountain Crossings store ( food, outfitter, etc) before it closes and mail our combined 21 lb of goods home. A small box was "bounced" but that just contained hammocks and some of our toiletries.

We finish the evening with homemade hamburgers (with all the fixings), cold beer and a warm fireplace. Sleep

4/3/13 Woke up for the 2nd night in a row in a bed -I know I can't get used to this. We start moving around at 6am but don't actually get out the door until 11am. With a fresh pair of legs we start our days hike. Very scenic views from the tops of several of the summits we hiked. We starting to learn the people within our bubble

Bubble: The group of individuals you hike along with as you leapfrog each other on the trail as each group takes their own breaks, lunches and breathers at various locations on the trail.

About 3/4 through our hike for the day we come across a group of trail angels. They are from a baptist church, outside Atlanta and are here as a mission trip for their congregation. We dine on hotdogs and chips.

Trail Angels: These can be groups or individuals that help hikers in any shape or form. More often than not, they appear next to road access points near the trail and have hot food, drinks and a place for you to sit. They often encourage you to take a couple snacks for the road as well. Sometimes these angels will be a large cooler on the trail with refreshments and work by the honest system - only take what you need.

As the day darkens, Lauren, Eric and myself keep an eye open for an "epic" camping spot (such as our 3rd night we camped at the summit of a mountain with a great view of the sunrise and mountain valley. We find a location not "too epic" but it had to do as a night and a storm was approaching. Rookie mistake. You should never camp on a ridge line when you know a storm is coming as it very windy from all the wind rushing up the side mountain and channels over the crest at this location. Well we soon find this out later that night as we are awoken by the howling winds and icy rain pounding our tents.

Well as Lauren was preparing the fire for the evening I decide to give her a hand collect some firewood. In doing so I came across this large dead tree which I wanted to take some branches from. Well needless to say, the tree fought back and now I have a large gash in the side of my cheek. After the blood stopped dripping from my face, we were able to wipe it down with alcohol, schmer Neosporin, place butterfly bandages and cover it was a large, very large bandage. Rookie mistake...

4/4/13 With the Wind still howling and icyrain semi slowing down I check the weather (using my Verizon 4G Android Motorola Droid Razr Maxx), and learn that the weather is supposed to pick up in the next hour. I wake up Eric and Lauren and we begin to break down camp in the icy rain - fun. We grab a couple granola bars and put them in our side pockets as there was no way we would have had time to make something hot (oatmeal) before the thick of the rain set in.

Much of the hike this day was done along a ridge line. Freezing rain on and off, we are layered thick with under layers, thermal layers and rain shells. Usually as we ascend one of the ridges, our hoods and gloves come off in hopes to cool down with out takin off all our layers. Our goal for the day was to get to Blue Mountain Shelter. We have been averaging 9 miles a day. The last 2 miles of our hike follows the ridge line as well, but its completely made up of large (slippery) boulders. Very beautiful with the moss growing on them, but not for traversing over.

I hike ahead of the group and make it to the shelter 20 mins before they do. I scout out if there is any room in the shelter but it was already full with hikers getting warm. I make some soup (bouillon cubs, hot sauce, minced garlic and herbs) and wait for Eric and Lauren to arrive. After they warm up with some Ramen noodles, we pitch tents in the rain and take an afternoon nap.

I wake up and most the cam is still asleep. I cook myself some Lipton's red beans & Rice along with some SeaBear Ready to eat Sockeye Salmon. Yumm. With that I rinse out my pot and head back into my cozy yet rain moistened tent and write this recap. Sleep.

TOTALS Pooped in the woods: 4 Wildlife: Squirrel, Chipmunk, Birds Miles Hiked: 50.5 Don't want to admit: I lost my FitBit (pedometer) hiking today Lesson learned: Sleeping on ridge lines are only epic If its nice out Hiking Quote: Hike your own hike.

Day 1 & 2

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3/30 - by Lauren

Today was a slow start. Reading and coffee (made by Eric) slowly woke me.. Still getting used to waking at 7am. The boys took there time with social media and cooking breakfast. All three of these guys are so completely different from one another; I rather enjoy having them around. Vic spends quite some time with his "office" as he calls it. He is some what of a marketing wizard, if that's not too nerdy a word. ;) It is obvious that he loves what he does and is extremely good at it. Alternatively from his passion for his career I find him very even-keel and mellow. He is very helpful, a sure-paced and lively hiker, and generally in great spirits. I don't think I've heard him complain once.. About anything (might I add-unlike the rest of us). As for Eric...I don't think anyone would argue if I called Eric a wealth of knowledge. I keep suggesting his "trail name" be "trail guide" or "the teacher". I'm uncertain if he likes these names or is slight perturbed by them. We lightly bicker from time to time but I keep thinking that we are actually just getting to know each other better. For those who do not know, Eric is my boyfriend of almost four years, yet we rarely obtain the opportunity to spend more than a couple of days together at a time. Up until recently I worked two jobs, one full time, and one 3-4 days a week, and he was a full timer (but tiredlessly put in more than a full days work). I half-jokingly told my girlfriends that I didn't know how jumping head first into a five month 24/7 relationship would treat us but we actually seem to slowly passing it's tests. -That is to say no argument has lasted more than a few minutes and I constantly want to race back over and give him a kiss immediately after. :) Eric brings a strong head and witty energy to the group. The boys are constantly joking and makes ridiculous puns which im almost certain that only they find funny but the laughter is infectuous. The third male of the group, the last one to join, but certainly enthusiastic and well welcomed, is inherently fun to be around, is Bo. Continuously good natured, even his complaining is somehow jovial. He is not the quickest hiker of the group but he somehow keeps trucking (with his WAYoversized backpack- might I add) and has a hilarious and witty outlook on himself and really this whole experience.

As for myself, I am not one to put myself in a category and have no idea of my place here. From the beginning I have intended this as a somewhat of a spiritual journey and I really believe that one gets out what one puts into something. I am certainly not the catalyst of this adventure.. all three of the boys have put in infinitely more planning and preparation in the trip than have I, but emotionally I am sure I am in at the very least, the same page. I can't be completely sure of the boys emotions simply because they are men... and men don't tend to open up quite as much about feelings as women (or perhaps not quite as much as an emotional female as myself-lol).

For the first time today I felt strong. Like really STRONG. I may have been fleeting, but the memory stays with me like an adrenaline high. I must admit that yesterday several difficult realizations shockingly hit me like slap across the face. I haven't know whether to hysterically laugh or seriously take a doubtful moment to myself. Let me preface this with the fact that I have no intention to quit the trail at any point, nor do I expect to have any negative thoughts; however.. My backpack is.. heavy. ...And I mean h.e.a.v.y. I have not a clue of its actual weight as we have chosen not to weigh our packs quite yet, but it feels as if a practical joker may have replaced my soft fluffy sleeping bag and sleeping pad with 30 pound cement bricks. I found that the most difficult part of this is wrapping my head around the fact that this cement/asphalt/ perhaps-mixed-with-pain-and-memories-from-past-lives-and-relationships backpack is NOT-GOING-ANYWHERE. This is not a fun two day hike where we are merely hiking to camp, hiking back out, and then retiring to a heated cabin with a cozy fireplace and a warm bath. Heck, this isn't even a month hike to jar up the spirit and break up the mundaneness of the daily grind. This backpack, as separate and foreign to me as it may seem, is here to stay. For the next five months of my life, this pack is a part of me. Yesterday this idea was very difficult to accept. I did nearly zero training for this journey (unless you count running up and down the stairs of Ocean Bar-lol) and I am nowhere near adapt to a pack of this size. It seems that huge mass, very separate to myself is constantly pressing me down and backwards into the uneven, rocky ground. The hiking poles are of no help. As Eric jokingly put it, "your poles are flaling about in very haphazard way, baby".

Today.. it is different. I feel very strong. I'm not insinuating that my joints, muscles and bones are not unbearably sore. It's my spirit. Suddenly my soul is starting to float, as my dad would put it, as high as an eagle. I expected this feeling on this trip but maybe not so soon. Granted, it came very infrequently and left almost as instantly as they came, but they were real and intense. I caught myself laughing to myself as I sped down a hill with most of my group far behind me. My pack, for the first time (while not weightless) felt like a part of me. A part of me that is an extra 40 pounds, but a PART of me. My poles were even on board. Instead of being these cranky little sticks that seem adhered to my tired fingers, they worked in unison with each other and with myself. I thought I was being witty as I joked to Eric about the giraffes from Broadway's Lion King, comparing them to my shaking poles and arms. I started singing the opening credits theme song and while it received little to no laughs, I am glad I thought of it. I have begun to think of the poles as an extension of myself. Although Eric suggested this idea earlier, it is much easier said than done and our minds tend to work very differently. He should have said, "Use the poles like lanky giraffe legs" -lol, yes I know Eric would never say that.. I have a very odd brain and I've come to terms with it ;) - On the opposite spectrum, I must say that at more than one time today I have pictured the scene from Seinfeld when George is in the wheelchair race with the angry elderly gentlemen (reference for Mandi and Alicia- ha!) and the scene is so exciting yet so slooow. At one point I started laughing to myself or would have had the heart to if my breath hadn't been completely lost any my heart alarmingly pounding in my ears) to the thought of how slow we were walking up this damn hill. Gasping and stumbling and puttering for breath to step two more feet really is quite hilarious when you think about it. I hope I'll still think so when the reality of this "slow speed race" starts to really sink. Today has already been worth it. Those minuscule moments of bliss is why I came up here.

Meet & Greet: Lauren

Hi everyone! Our teams trek following the Appalachian Trail up from its birth to the tip top of its head is finally upon us and I could not be more wide-eyed, anxious and thrilled! I have been carried to this brand new starting point in my life by many factors. I’ve lived my life in awe of of our natural world and have always had one toe in this world, (office, comfy bedroom, restroom with actual working plumbing!) and one in the next. I have spent many years enjoying the juxtaposition between tackling a lengthy work day to later break out into the wild hills of our local hiking spots. Well, I have finally been inspired to stretch those few exhilarating hours to fill my days for the next few months.

I have always loved the story of the fisherman who lived his days as he dreamed using his masterful fishing skills to feed himself and his family. Once need and hunger were taken care of he was free to fill his days with music, love, family, friends and the beautiful coast. One day the fisherman was approached by a stranger from another world who was amazed by his capability and was astonished he didn’t parlay his talent into money and success. When the stranger was asked by the fisherman how success and money would change his life the stranger replied that after years of hard work and sacrifice the fisherman would finally be able to fill his days with music, love, family, friends and the beautiful coast. I say the fisherman really has it all figured out!

So when this opportunity presented itself to me, at first I was a bit weary but being let on this idea was a little like being exposed to a virus (a good virus!). It began to take over our little group and before I knew it we were REI’s best customers! Waking up every morning in a tent (to a bunch of guys!) may be a challenge, but every step that is taken, is a step towards our personal and collective growth and a step away from spending our days now to fulfill our futures later.

Meet & Greet: Eric

Eric Dalcin
Redondo Beach, CA

The most vivid memories of my past have always been of the adventures and travels I have experienced. I was lucky to be raised in a family that placed a high value on exploring the culture, beauty and adventure this world has to offer. From a early age I was going on safari in Africa’s Serengeti and Maasai Mara game reserves, exploring the 2,500 mile length of South America’s mighty Amazon river and journeying into some of the most remote areas of the planet in Antarctica. I want to take a moment to thank my parents for sharing their love for travel, culture and adventure with me. With out these experiences I would not be the person I am today. In a way, they are somewhat responsible for all this - and I could not be happier.

The AT - this is the type of adventure I day dream about. Backpacking almost 2,200 miles and carrying everything you will need to live in the wilderness for 150+ days. Sounds like a good time, right?

Vic thought so. To a certain extent, that’s how this whole journey went from day dream to reality for me. Shortly after meeting Vic, I knew he shared the same sprit for adventure. I started to share some of my ridiculous fantasies and dreams of future adventures with him. The Appalachian Trial Thru Hike was one of these dreams. After I planted this seed the dream began to grow into something more. However, before it became a serious option for me - I needed to convince my girlfriend, Lauren, into thinking this was a good idea too. She shares the same passion for travel and adventure so this task was an easy one - she was instantly excited about it (that’s why I love you baby). As soon as Lauren was on board with the idea it was time for me to make ‘the decision’.
Leaving everything you know behind for almost 6 months is not entirely easy. It’s somewhat romantic to day dream about but much more difficult to actually do. I have a great job with a company I like (I do/did production management and product design for an awesome outdoor men’s wear company by the name of Dakota Grizzly). Many of my friends and most of my family live near by. This is home for me. I have a life here with responsibilities and bills to pay... I am not a wandering gypsy.

Still, don’t threaten me with a good time (Vic). To quote one of my favorite documentaries, “I’ll never get a chance like this one again. If I don’t get on that boat - I know exactly what Im going home to. If I do, my future is unwritten.” - Jeff Johnson, 180 Degrees South. It is essentially this
concept that ultimately pushed me to make my decision. I want to live a life filled with passion. I want to satisfy my curiosities and thirst for adventure and do so free from fear of the unknown. This perspective made a difficult decision easier for me and serves as a basic reminder to my priorities in life.

In the process of planning and preparing, I shared the idea of backpacking the AT with my good buddy and childhood friend Bo. I knew with his background of world travel and similar mindset that he would be interested - and sure enough, with precious little time remaining to plan and prepare himself, he quickly made the decision that he was going to do it as well - and I’m happy that he did. Now, I have the pleasure of enjoying this experience with two great friends and my amazing, beautiful girlfriend. I honestly feel very lucky to be in this position and I’m looking forward to anything and everything our journey on the AT has to offer.


Love, Eric