Date: 2017-01-08
To: Again?
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Well I'm going to give this another try! I must be crazy but I guess everyone who tries to walk over 2000 miles needs to be somewhat insane.   In 2015, I was attempting a Thru and broke my leg at MM 313. In 2016, I started again at Springer but figured out after 2.5 days that my leg and ankle were not healed enough to complete a Thru hike. The first day out took me forever to get to the shelter and on top of that I was so nervous about falling! I have never had that scared feeling about being out there hiking alone. So I made the quick decision to get off the trail at a place that would be easy to get back to the airport and get a flight home. So from then until now I've worked hard at trying to get my leg and ankle back to Trail form. It is certainly a lot stronger this year than last year and I've been trying to increase my hiking speed. I'm still slow compared to most other Thrus, but I get to where I need to be by the end of the day. I did a few backpacking trips this past year. I completed all the 113 miles of the AT that the RATC (Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club ) is responsible for maintaining. Last year I joined the McAfee Knob Task force which involves hiking up to McAfee's Knob and Dragon's Tooth at least once each month. I had already adopted Fullhart Shelter in 2014, so that's another every month or so hike. In August I hiked from Manchester Center, Vermont to Hanover, NH. Since my thru in 07' I've been section hiking with friends and we have completed, in sections going north, up to the border of NH. A few more years and we will finish that journey also. But the desire to complete a Thru hike is ever present in my mind. I thru hiked in 07 but had to get off 200 miles short. So even though I went back as soon as my fractured toes would allow and completed the Trail, I felt unaccomplished. I know that's crazy and I may not make this whole journey this time, but I need to give it one more try!And that's correct, I'm planning on leaving mid February! Crazy! Stupid! All of those thoughts ran through my head like a train about to go off its track. But I want to be ahead of the bubble, and I want to be able to slow down and take a few more zero days. When I started in March of 2015 the hikers overran the shelters. I'm a fairly slow hiker, and I understand the bubble will catch me, but I'd like to be further along when they do and the group will thin out the further north I go. Last year I acquired a few extra items to help deal with the cold so I know I'll prepared for the weather in February and March. I have a down hood, a new Thermorest neo-air, the one that has a higher R value, micro spikes, tall gaiters, and a Delorme (satellite locator device (having to be rescued off the trail makes you a little nervous about being out there alone). I'm taking different gloves and over mitts that I hope will work in the cold rain and of course a lot of hand warmers. But I know I will still be cold at times especially when I get out of my sleeping bag. So as I once again start this journey, wish me luck and I hope to see many of you on the Trail! A new beginningComes along with renewed hope.The Trail awaits me!