Winter of 2014-15 was unbearably cold. Cold enough to keep me indoors and consequently catch a bad case of cabin fever. That's when I had the idea of hiking the Appalachian Trail, the whole thing. I prayed and researched and read and prayed. The idea kept growing and this indescribable feeling kept getting stronger and stronger. The mountains are calling me.

I'm going to start off by answering a few questions I commonly get...

Who am I going with?

God will be with me the whole way and Chef will accompany me for the majority of the hike (pets are not allowed in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Baxter State Park). Yes, it is dangerous, but so is getting into your car every morning. I am starting around the same time as hundreds of other hikers, so I will be in good thru hiker company. 

Am I carrying a gun?

No. It's too heavy and isn't practical. 

What am I going to eat?

Anything that doesn't need to be refrigerated, cooked in a microwave or oven, and is worth its weight in calories. Here's a short list to give you an idea...

     -dried fruits     -rice

     -pop tarts         -couscous

     -oatmeal          -non-refrigerated cheese

     -jerky               - tuna

     -peanut butter  -granola

     -candy             -cookies

How will I resupply?

I will be stopping into a town about every 5 days to resupply, recharge, and check-in with the worried parents at home ; )

What will I carry?

My pack will weigh somewhere around 40lbs...I hope. This includes my gear, food, and water. I will write a post about my gear list later. Chef has his own pack and gear list too!

I know there are many other questions, some I don't even know the answer to yet. I will do my best to answer those questions, keep you informed, and share my experiences with you as I go on my journey. I do want to thank all of my family and friends that have supported me in my decision. The encouragement and prayers don't go unnoticed. Of course mom and dad get special recognition; it wouldn't be possible without their help, love, and support. 

Until April, I will be preparing. Physically and mentally.