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Hello everyone,
Hope all is well. I’ve been off the grid for awhile and will continue to be for the next 2 months, but finally made some time to get a post in.In march of 2022, I decided I needed a break. A break from the real world to clear my head. I was in search of stimulation, a reset, a challenge, but more importantly, I was eager for an adventure and decided I was no longer going to wait till retirement to go after my dreams. I decided to resign from my career in attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian trail. The AT is 2193.5 miles stretching from GA to maine.
Long story short, it’s been the best decision I have ever made. The AT has given me new life, new perspective on what’s important in life and what’s not… it’s truly been a gift to be out in nature and traveling the world by foot in the back country. Words, nor my pictures describe how special this journey is for Me, but it’s been life changing, and I’ve never felt better in my life (mentally, physically and spiritually)
I’ve officially made it to Dalton, Massachusetts 1574 miles by foot. I’m 74% complete. My destination is Mount Khatadin Maine… I still have a lot of work to do, but ima dig deep and ima get there one way or another.
The trail community has been amazing and so kind, and the views and experiences in nature have been down right magical.
Again, pictures don’t do it justices, but here’s a few highlights from my adventure! I’ll post again when I finish the job Abe make it to Maine!!
Cheers!
Kevin:
I really enjoyed your article and the pictures you posted about your splendid trip. I could hear your heartbeat and feel the excitement in the descriptions you provided.
I was glad to hear that you didn’t decide to wait to retirement. It’s never a good idea to wait, especially for retirement. For many it simply doesn’t come. Though resigning your career can be a bit scary, at least for some of us. But, there are always new opportunities for talented people.
I can imagine the hours of thought that you put into this adventure. Selecting equipment, getting your head around the enormous challenges, planning, menu preparation, preparation, and all the other details that come with this kind of commitment. Sometimes you find people aren’t as supportive as you might have liked. But then again you meet new folks that you would never had met had you not done this.
This is a great achievement Kevin – and you know what? It will stay with you for years to come. It might even be the door to new adventures and expression of your life. The possibilites are endless.
Thank you so much for sharing this with me/us – it’s great to know you through this forum.
Please post more pictures and share episodes of your venture – there is so much more to learn.
BM + NORHERN DANCER
PS – Tell me more about the tent you used and the other kinds of equipment.
169 days, 2194.4 miles, 14 states, and over 5 million steps- I’m now proud to say that I have completed my thru hike. I took my final steps and summited mount Katahdin in Maine on September 23rd.
On the eve of the 22nd, I couldn’t sleep knowing my life changing journey was coming to a close. Maine was by far the most challenging state, but in my opinion the most beautiful, the most wild, the most free! I absolutely loved Maine. Unfortunately the weather through our final stretch was wicked. We had cold rain for 6 out of 7 days and the weather forecasts for our summit day was not looking good. Mount Katahdin is a very strenuous climb, with large elevation gain, bouldering, and very slick terrain. They do not advise going up there with ice/snow, or high winds. While it rained on me all night, I had made the decision that I was going to accept mama Katahdin anyway she came, in all of her glory, and her frigid dangerous conditions…
2 miles into it, and right as we hit the “above tree line section” the wind really started to pick up, and was above 50 mph. Most hikers had decided to turn around, and try again another day, myself and 2 others pushed on.
It was the most intense moment of my life. Rain turned to ice and snow, and you couldn’t see more than 4-5 feet in front of you. I put on every layer of clothing I had and hiked on… reckless? Yes, probably a little, but I was determined to see this final hike through, and get her done!
No words, photos, videos will properly portray what it means to take those final steps, and place your hands on that iconic and sacred sign. When I made it to the top, the wind was so intense that we didn’t have long to hang around and celebrate… we were starting to lose feeling in our toes and fingers so it was a quick moment to reflect and get a photo before we needed to make our way down, which was going to be a very tough descent in any conditions…
Most folks who make it all the way get emotional at the end, (with good reason)… but it was simply too cold and too crazy up there to get emotional,so when I made took my final steps and climbed onto that sign, I roared! It was a mission accomplished, my greatest accomplishment!
We made it down safely, celebrated, and because I had so much fun, I decided to wait a couple more days doe the weather to clear up, so I could do it again with my friends that had turned back. This time, I took my time, savored and enjoyed every step, and got the majestic views that a blue bird day provides. As you can see from the photos, what a difference a day or two can make.
The trail taught and provided me so much, and was truly just an amazing journey. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity.
Cheers!
My sincerest congratulations Kevin; it’s a remarkable achievement accomplished by few. It would be so great to thumb through your photo trip journal/album or to see firsthand any video you may have made. This challenge you have met is going to be a springboard to other adventures and activities in the future.
Congratulations again and best wishes for your next exploit. I have a hunch you have opened the door to something greater.
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