I’ve mentioned that my desire to thru-hike the Appalachian
Trail has not been a life-long dream. In February of 2012 I
learned about Trail Journals and began reading. My interest started to
grow by leaps and bounds. By mid-summer
of last year I was watching for sales and buying gear.
In 2012 I followed many as they headed North and a few coming South – solo men,
one family, many couples, two father and daughter pairs, and solo women. Each journal was unique and informative. I want to say thank you to those I followed
for allowing me to “arm chair” hike, for sharing their dreams and experiences,
for inspiring me and giving me hope that it might just be possible for me. I
followed many more journals than I will list below; injuries, illness, personal
matters, etc. thwarted their dreams. Some are coming back this year and I hope
they realize their dream in 2013.
So here’s a big THANK YOU to those who walked the trail
last year and shared the journey! You
have been my teachers and I am so very grateful.
Couples: The Charon’s, Gung-Ho and Tagalong, Long Stride
& SilverGirl, Myakka Mules, sharing the insanity, Sprite & Snag, the Troverts
Family: Valerie (Member of the A
Team)
Father
and Daughter: Balls
and Sunshine; Gumpy and Peeper
Solo
Men:
Achilles, Badger, Bomber, Daddy-O, Diesel, DirtyGirl, Late 4 Dinner, Lime
Green, Seeks It, Trog
Solo
Women: Dos,
DreamTime, Five Pair, Lyn “Wildflower”, Mamaw B, Mouse (Mickie Amundson)-two
were named Mouse and so I listed her real name; Torii
I emailed Dos inquiring about updating her journal from
the trail and the procedure she used. I could always count on her prompt posting
which helped me to worry a little less. She responded the same day. I hope I
can follow her example so my family, friends and people I don’t know won’t
worry about me.
I emailed DreamTime when I was uncertain about the best
way to handle food (mail drops, no mail drops, some mail drops or just buy in
town). She replied promptly and in such detail that I no longer worried about
what I should do in regards to food. She gave me ideas that had not crossed my
mind.
Jim O'Brien, husband and Ground Control for Five Pair, for answering questions via email about her blog.
Jim O'Brien, husband and Ground Control for Five Pair, for answering questions via email about her blog.
Not everyone lists their gear on Trail Journals but I
found that when people took the time to do so, it helped me (a complete novice)
to begin researching and making decisions about the gear that I would need to buy. So, thanks, to those who took the time last year to list your gear.
Hello Prayerwalker, I wanted to recommend http://www.keithandlindasexcellentadventure.com/. Steady and her husband wrote a wonderful blog, We met at Newfound Gap. We'll be following and praying for your own great adventure. We met Mouse too, amazing trail warrior. Blessings, Beth
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth. I'll check out the blog you mentioned; I still have so much to learn.
ReplyDeletePrayerwalker, it's Mamaw B. Just found your blog and will be following you. Just start slow and steady and build up to longer miles. Posting along the way is not easy as access to compter timem is limited but can be done. I had no time to edit or make corrections but at least I was able to give folks some idea of what I was doing. If I can help you in anyway just post on trailjournals and I will receive a message and can give you better contact info. By the way I am listed as coholder of the oldest female thru hiker of the AT. You can do it. It takes mental toughness and I would say you have that. Enjoy! It is hard but rewarding. Good luck to you.
ReplyDeleteMamaw B
Prayerwalker, I've just spent the past hour getting to know a little about you and worshipping the Lord through your blog. Thank you and I plan on following your journey on the AT. My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you travel.
ReplyDeleteJoyce R.