Date: 2007-03-13
To: Taking A Moment to Say Thanks
Miles today: 0.0

I am actually beginning to realize that this dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail is soon to become a reality. For the past five years, I have been working to complete my degree and the end is actually in sight. This road has not been an easy one and I've tried my best to persevere through the hardships of a serious car accident and the tragic death of my brother. I've met some incredible people who helped to get me to this point. From my family, to my friends, and some absolutely amazing kids that I love dearly, I couldn't possibly have made it this far without them. By Thursday, I will be finished all of my course work and will be getting my diploma and a teaching degree from the University of Maine. That is the first dream I've ever had and I can't believe I've finally accomplished it! Nancy Minott's 4/5 graders at the Center Drive School in Orrington played a huge part in that success and I hope that they know how much I'll miss them while I'm hiking! Nancy, you are also someone I will miss dearly, but I know that you will always be a part of my life because you are that special to me! Just think, I'll be embarking on a journey similar to John Muir. We're all huge fans of his aren't we guys? Sarah & Kris, Nick & the entire Parsons family and Nick & the Kingsburys, I also thank you for the time you allowed me to be a part of your families. Now that I am almost an "official" teacher, I am setting my sites on my second long-sought after dream of hiking. It's taken me a couple of years to convince Kevin, my boyfriend of 4+ years, that this is a good idea, but now he is just as sold as I am. We've been devouring books about the trail faster than authors can publish them and now there is a mountain of gear to show for all of our research. We've got pretty much everything we need from our lovely new home for 6 months, a Mother Hubba tent, (considerably cheaper than 6 months' rent) and our beautiful packs that have been out on hiking expeditions already. Bailey, our 3 1/2 year old Black Labrador/St. Bernard dog is also ready and has recently been to the vet for her last check-up before the hike. I am a little worried about her making it the whole way, but we are making back-up plans just in case. Ben ("Rematch") and Kate, your hike inspired Kevin and I to committ to making this dream a reality, and I can't thank you enough. Ben, your trail knowledge and insights have been an enormous help and we wouldn't be nearly so prepared if it weren't for you. You are both incredible friends and our lives wouldn't be the same without you. We will be thinking of you and can't wait to be in your wedding to help share your special day on August 17th, all that remains to be seen is where we will be at the point and how we will get there... We'll figure that out when the time comes ;0) My family also deserves a big thank you for your support. My parents and granparents have been loving and supporting in whatever my endeavors have been since the day I was born. My brother will always remain one of the most important people in my life and although he are gone, I hope he knows that he is and will remain a part of everything that I do. Bro, I will think of you every day, from every mountain top. My twin sister, Kristi will also be with me every step of the way... heck, we have the same genes don't we? Thanks to my aunts, uncles and cousins in the Boutilere, McGary, Belyea, Williams, and Bragdon families, you are all loved so very much. I also consider Irene, David, Adam, Sarah, and Nana to be my family and I know how lucky I am to have gained such a loving, kind, and generous family. Irene, thank you for everything you are doing to help us with the hike and for keeping everyone connected through emails. I know I am not the only one who appreciates it! I guess I have rambled on quite a bit... I just wanted to take a minute from the craziness of last minute preparations to tell you all how important you are and that you are all on my mind as dreaming turns into reality. I know I may have forgotten people, you know me... just know you are special to me and you are a part of my journey.