What: I'm thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. It's a 2,184 mile footpath that was first completed in August 1937.
Where: It runs through 14 states, starting on Springer Mt. in Georgia and finishing on Mt. Katahdin in Maine.
When: I'm starting March 11, 2014. On average it takes 4 to 7 months to complete. I'm hoping to finish it in 5.
Who: Me, myself, and I. But I really can't say I'm going alone, and have that be a true statement. There are about 2,000 people each year who attempt to hike the whole trail, with about 25% of them successfully making the whole trek. So, I'll be on the trail alone but surrounded by other folks attempting the same thing. And I have an awesome support team. My mother deserves Sainthood. I've packed up 4 boxes of food to be sent to me while I'm out on the trail and she'll be making sure they get to me when and where I need them. And taking care of my special needs little dog. And just in general being amazing. Then there are the fine folks at Fermenti Artisans. They gave me some fermented veggies to take on the trail with me. They're good guys, make amazing healthy foods, and live and grow on Indy's eastside. If you don't love them already, you probably should. Give them your business and tell 'em Jessi sent ya! I also got some goods and swag from Health Warriors. They hooked me up and now I'm set on chia bars on the trail, plus have plenty to share. Their coconut chia bars are freakin' delicious. And this doesn't even begin to mention the support from friends and family and the dehydrator I borrowed (thanks Tina!) and all the people who, instead of telling me I was crazy or irresponsible, told me how cool and inspiring it was. Thanks folks; you all make this adventure all the more amazing!
Why: This is one question I've had a little trouble articulating clearly. Since I first heard of the Trail and thru-hiking the idea stuck. Partly because it's a pretty BA thing to do. But mostly because I love the idea of knowing a place intimately. To have hiked one trail from beginning to end and seen everything in between is supremely appealing. I also love being outdoors, it's where I feel most alive and whole. And I like to push my limits, to tiptoe along the edge and see what I'm capable of doing. This hike gives me 2,184 miles in which to do that- through the beautiful sunny days and through torrential downpours, on boring flat stretches and up and down every ridge. Then there's something to be said for the thinking and healing that has to happen when one spends everyday, all day, for months on end in the woods. I look forward to the soul searching solitude. And then there's the community that is built amongst people try to achieve the same socially abnormal goal. Basically I'm in love with the entire idea and all that it entails.
How: I'll fly into the Atlanta Airport and catch a shuttle up to the nearest road to Springer Mountain. And start my hike. Along the way there are towns, either on the trail, or within walking or hitchhiking distance (disclaimer: I wouldn't hitch hike in normal life, but along the trail it's pretty typical). Every 3-7 days I'll buy food at grocer's along the way and shower and do laundry. I have 4 locations I've picked where I'll have a package of food I previously prepared and dehydrated sent to me general delivery. I want to make sure that at least once a month I'm eating yummy nutritious food, hence the mail drops.
More Questions?
Please feel free to leave a comment and I'll try to answer when I'm somewhere with WiFi.
Where: It runs through 14 states, starting on Springer Mt. in Georgia and finishing on Mt. Katahdin in Maine.
When: I'm starting March 11, 2014. On average it takes 4 to 7 months to complete. I'm hoping to finish it in 5.
Who: Me, myself, and I. But I really can't say I'm going alone, and have that be a true statement. There are about 2,000 people each year who attempt to hike the whole trail, with about 25% of them successfully making the whole trek. So, I'll be on the trail alone but surrounded by other folks attempting the same thing. And I have an awesome support team. My mother deserves Sainthood. I've packed up 4 boxes of food to be sent to me while I'm out on the trail and she'll be making sure they get to me when and where I need them. And taking care of my special needs little dog. And just in general being amazing. Then there are the fine folks at Fermenti Artisans. They gave me some fermented veggies to take on the trail with me. They're good guys, make amazing healthy foods, and live and grow on Indy's eastside. If you don't love them already, you probably should. Give them your business and tell 'em Jessi sent ya! I also got some goods and swag from Health Warriors. They hooked me up and now I'm set on chia bars on the trail, plus have plenty to share. Their coconut chia bars are freakin' delicious. And this doesn't even begin to mention the support from friends and family and the dehydrator I borrowed (thanks Tina!) and all the people who, instead of telling me I was crazy or irresponsible, told me how cool and inspiring it was. Thanks folks; you all make this adventure all the more amazing!
Why: This is one question I've had a little trouble articulating clearly. Since I first heard of the Trail and thru-hiking the idea stuck. Partly because it's a pretty BA thing to do. But mostly because I love the idea of knowing a place intimately. To have hiked one trail from beginning to end and seen everything in between is supremely appealing. I also love being outdoors, it's where I feel most alive and whole. And I like to push my limits, to tiptoe along the edge and see what I'm capable of doing. This hike gives me 2,184 miles in which to do that- through the beautiful sunny days and through torrential downpours, on boring flat stretches and up and down every ridge. Then there's something to be said for the thinking and healing that has to happen when one spends everyday, all day, for months on end in the woods. I look forward to the soul searching solitude. And then there's the community that is built amongst people try to achieve the same socially abnormal goal. Basically I'm in love with the entire idea and all that it entails.
How: I'll fly into the Atlanta Airport and catch a shuttle up to the nearest road to Springer Mountain. And start my hike. Along the way there are towns, either on the trail, or within walking or hitchhiking distance (disclaimer: I wouldn't hitch hike in normal life, but along the trail it's pretty typical). Every 3-7 days I'll buy food at grocer's along the way and shower and do laundry. I have 4 locations I've picked where I'll have a package of food I previously prepared and dehydrated sent to me general delivery. I want to make sure that at least once a month I'm eating yummy nutritious food, hence the mail drops.
More Questions?
Please feel free to leave a comment and I'll try to answer when I'm somewhere with WiFi.
Hi Jessi!
ReplyDeleteI hope your hiking is going well and you are living the life out there. Ransburg posted a link to your blog and I am going to save it to my favorites so I can live vicariously through you. :)
Jessica Leck (PT & cycle instructor)