Date: 2007-03-19
To: One Year... but who is counting?
Miles today: 0.0

So here it is March 19th, 2007. In one year I plan on hitting the trail. It is slightly crazy but awesome at the same time. I have been reading trail journals for several years now, I met an awesome bunch of Thru hikers while leading a camping trip for the camp I worked with and that was when I got the itch. I am currently in my 4th year as a student at the University of Maine. I am originally from Wisconsin and love it out here. How can you go wrong with both the ocean and mountains close by? It has been here that I have morphed into an outdoor educator. I have spent the last 3 years leading trips with kids and really enjoying spreading the love for nature. I hiked mount Katahdin with my friend Chris days after my first year of college ended. He took me up the crazyiest trail, and it was amazing. Then I was able to take the kids at the camp I worked at on a 2 day overnight on the trail. Although many of the girls hated the trip and complained and even begged to be airlifted out of the trip, I enjoyed every minute of it. I walked on with a big goofy grin on my face, and I saw my future. I just want to hike. I will be graduating this May, however I will be student teaching next Fall. This means I am done with school next December... and TA DA!!! I will have 6 months before I have to start paying back my loans.... and it works out perfectly for me to take my hike. So far those I have told about my hike have been nothing but supportive, my mom especially. She has been asking questions and even bought me some great books about solo traveling and the AT for my birthday. How great is it to have so many people back up your dreams? Why hike? As many have asked and it seems will continue to do so. Well, Its the perfect time in my life to do it. I am unattached to anything and ready to move into a new part of my life. I love the outdoors and want to really experience it in a new way. I really just want to live, and this is how I want to live life... I know the percentages, I know that although even with the best of intentions not everyone makes it all the way. I am truly okay with this, and even willing to let myself not make it if that is how life goes. It's not about the finish for me really, it¢s about the experience. If I make it 24 miles and I decide "Wow Anne that was a stupid idea" I will be okay with ending it there if I have really given it my all. Hopefully I get farther then that but well it¢s a possibility I am willing to consider. Some feel this is bad way of thinking. Some say if you don't reach for Katahdin right off from Springer, what¢s the point? I just want to hike and create another cool experience in my life. I am pretty good at going all out for what I want. I have been able to experience some really amazing things... and I think this hike will be a big part of my life. I can do this, and I really want to do it. I will get out of it what I put into it and I really just cannot wait for such an awesome opportunity. Take a hike... Why March 19th? Well, I know many of the masses start between March and April; it will still be cold, but not as cold as FEB. I hold much respect to all the early starters. Along with that... lame as it is, the number 19 is my favorite... and hopefully that will bring me luck haha. Well this is enough nonsense for one day. Keep it real and thanks for reading.