Date: 2015-01-29
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Why?A thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail can be defined as a single season, continuous trek from Georgia to Maine of the two thousand one hundred and eighty nine and two tenths mile (2189.2) white blazed footpath.In many ways I have been waiting for near forty years for this moment in my life. Don¢t misunderstand, my life to this moment cannot be denied in its many ups and downs and its significant measure of fulfillment for 50+years lived. I have known, and continue to experience, deep love and passion in marriage, great struggle and its rewards in parenting, and significant pleasure in time with Family, friends and faith. Perhaps the greatest moments in my life are shared with my spiritual families over the years I have walked with Christ. But I have been waiting and a new chapter in life¢s walk is at hand, or dare I say ¢afoot¢!February 20th I will begin fulfilling my long dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. First imagined by Benton McKaye in the early part of the twentieth century, and first thru-hiked by Earl Schaffer in 1948, this continuous footpath has captured my imagination since I first dreamed of spending long periods in the woods relying solely on self and, as Colin Fletcher called It, the ¢house on my back¢. Many things have changed since the late seventies when I first ventured into the woods backpacking, hiking and traveling to places experienced by few. Part of the draw is the sense that I am experiencing something not possible for everyone. The accomplishment of successfully surviving, even enjoying a difficult adventure and the variety of sites, scenes, views and experiences that come with such an undertaking is at the very core of the most difficult question I have had to answer once I began to confess my desire to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. The question why? Why would I do this? Why indeed. Many offer reasons to avoid such an endeavor including hardships, dangers, risks, time away from loved ones and expense to name a few. Nevertheless, in the search common to us all for something significant to mark life, beyond the aforementioned markers common to mankind, this is my shot. This is my best chance. I can do this, but I may not. Knowing which will prevail is what makes me feel alive. When life is in low ebb, I often dream of the solitude and serenity of the trail. The only thing that could increase my anticipation would be having my bride of thirty plus years join me, but then I wouldn¢t have that to look forward to after this adventure is complete.So what if I do not make it? Life, like a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, should not be about where you are, or where you want to be in so much as it should be about the way your journey is pursued along the path. I will ¢hike my own hike¢, as thru-hikers are admonished to do, and look forward to every day, every moment, every person and every experience absorbed along the way.I chose to start this journal with this reflection because so many have encouraged my dream with kindness, questions, interest and prayers, that it is my hope my time spent hiking will find some greater purpose in its opportunity to inspire others to ¢hike their own hike¢, in life. I believe the Creator has granted us each gifts and life¢s fulfillment and peace is rooted in how closely we align our journey with His desire for how we use those gifts. I seek no additional happiness in life in this adventure, because my life ¢runneth over¢ with fulfillment. I seek to inspire and encourage anyone who dares, to set forth on life¢s path each day with great anticipation for what will come.