Date: 2004-03-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So here it is, 10 days before my Appalachian Trail thru-hike, an adventure about which I¢ve fantasized for eight years. One would think I¢d be thoroughly prepared, yes? Wrong. Mentally, emotionally I am more than ready. But there are small issues (such as final choices of gear) to which I must give attention still. In addition, my list of to-dos on the home front seems to be growing instead of diminishing. Details of living are numerous; to exit for six months requires an immense amount of organization as I¢m leaving no one here to tend to business on a daily basis during my absence.However, I¢m going anyway, on schedule as planned. What remains undone will be here awaiting my return. The journey is priority as of April 1. As to why I am striking out on this adventure, it is difficult to say. Perhaps it is even impossible to express. All the obvious retorts are applicable: time-out of life¢s craziness, reassessing of priorities, recharging of energy and spirit, time for myself after raising a family, physical challenge. But the motivation goes deeper, far into the deepest recesses of my soul, the essence of who I am.   What this is NOT: a mid-life crisis, a searching for answers, an escape from reality, a spiritual quest. But I do desire and expect some profound changes. Being an extremely goal-oriented personality, I want to learn to slow down, to live in the moment every day, indeed, every minute of every day. I want to travel in solitude and learn more about myself. I want to acquire a self-confidence in who I am. I want to maintain patience and calmness in all that I do. I want to be at peace with myself, the world, and all those with whom I share holy space in the universe.Within the context of everyday life, replete with a multitude of responsibilities and expectations, it is difficult to stay the course while trying to achieve such ideals. Thus, I am putting myself into an environment conducive to focusing on personal growth, with a tad bit of adventure, challenge, excitement, fear, misery, elation and joy thrown into the mix. And perhaps in six months, when I exit the trail after summiting Katahdin, I¢ll love the person I¢ve become. And so I end the philosophical introduction. To answer the remaining ¢Top 10 Questions¢: 9) no, I am not a part of a group; 8) yes, it will be very difficult to maintain my raw-food/vegan-vegetarian diet, but I¢ll do the best I can, with the help of Juice Plus!; 7) yes, I will have access to a computer and will stay in touch the best I can with my fan club ; 6) yes, I think my family supports my hike, but I¢m not totally certain as I haven¢t asked them; 5) I have no idea what I will miss most, I will let you know upon my return; 4) no, I do not need your GPS, but thank you for the offer; 3) yes, I have been training a little more diligently, but not extensively .. besides, there¢s no fitness machine that can simulate descending a mountain; 2) no, I am not carrying a gun or bear repellent; and the big NUMERO UNO: 1) NO, I am not carrying a cell phone!!!!!My gear list is being fine-tuned and revamped. Prior to my departure I will detail and have posted the final gear choices that will accompany me to Maine. I hope to be able to share photos via the internet also, either on this site or on a website of my own. I am leaving a ton of friends and an entire community who are all rooting for me as I strike out in a couple weeks. There is a guest register on this site you may utilize to jot me an encouraging note or two or three or more; however, if you¢d prefer privacy of your comments to me, my e-mail address will remain valid and I will be checking for greetings whenever possible. So please, write to me using one venue or the other! Pump me up, cheer me on, and keep reminding me to enjoy the journey!!! Hugs all around ¢¦ see you in October!