Date: 2009-01-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

5 months until I summit Katahdin. And then look south and start walking. All the way to Georgia.My name is Cameron. I'm 20 years old and thruhiking the Appalachian Trail is the only thing that I'm extremely confident that I want to do in life. Born and raised in Cleburne, Texas. That's about 30 minutes south of Ft. Worth, Texas. (Not exactly mountain central.) The reason I want to thru hike is to prove to myself that I can accomplish something that I said I was going to. Something trying, lengthy, and something that most people quit. Something I can look back on later in life and know that I followed my dreams. I actually did something I wanted to. Instead of just wanting to. The fact that it happens to be backpacking and the outdoors is just a plus. Its going to be an awesome experience and I'm ready for the challenge.I'm not planning on 4 - 7 months for this. I'm planning 3 - 4 months. Also, I'm not planning as much money as most people do. Right now I'm planning $2000 at most. That's all I'll have. I'm hoping some self dicipline, the fact that I'm not 21, so I won't be drinking the entire way down the trail, and the speed of my thru hike will allow me to get by on the relatively small amount of money.I want to do a few extra's along the way.1. Attempt the Connecticut Challenge. -- To hike the over 50 miles of the trail that lie within the state of Connecticut all in one day.2. Take a Tour of Harper's Ferry, WV and/or Take a Train and Tour Washington D.C.I'm sure other things will come up that I want to do. But these are the two that I know right off hand.The Appalachian Trail, or AT, is something that I've wanted to do since I was 17. I first read about it in Backpacker Magazine in a classic trails issue. Ever since then I've been reading trailjournals and fourums online, just waiting for a chance to get to go. But with my parents and a girlfriend worrying, college, and life in general, its been hard trying to find a time in life to go. Finally, about a month ago, I just told everyone that I'm taking a semester off school (Fall of this year) and doing the one thing I want to be doing in life. So now its on.I do have a bit of experience with the outdoors, but not as much as a lot of people that I've read about online. I was in boyscouts from the 6th grade, all the way through high school, and got my Eagle Scout. I've been to Philmont twice and thats where most of my backpacking experience comes from. I've also done several overnight trips. I've purchased a ton of gear over the past few years but have yet to use most of it. That's about to change. I'll be doing several overnight trips getting used to all my gear and picking out exactly what I want to take with me. And hopefully, I'll be able to do a couple of weekend trips and at least one 3 - 5 day trip. I've been running and walking, lifting weights, and walking up an inclined tredmill with a pack on to get in shape. But I know the real thing that is going to get me in shape for the trail is the trail itself. I'm just trying to be as well prepared as I can be before I get there.I'm nervous. I'm excited. And I'm ready for the end of June to be here so I can get my journey underway. I'm going to finish this trail. And I'm going to live my dream.