After 27 days, I have completed the 281.8 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maine. The journey this far has been incredible, and I am overcome with gratitude for each of these days, all of them quite different. This is an important moment for me to reflect on my goals and even the fears that I’d had initially.
Goals
- Gain perspective. Looking back at my original post, I think this could also mean “Facing My Fears” – realizing that certain things that I fear are just in my mind. Each scary thing that I’ve done so far, I’ve come out on the other side better off and more confident.
- Learn humility. My back injury has humbled me. I have had to slow down and listen to my body more than ever. I pushed a bit too hard, too soon in the 100 Mile Wilderness, but I’m learning.
- Appreciate beauty. I think I’d rephrase this as “Live in the Moment.” This has been the toughest one. Whether it’s taking a Zero day in town, hiking alone for 15 miles through mud, slogging through continuous downpour, or summiting a peak that gives views for miles in every direction. Each of these scenarios has something to offer, and I am working to smile in the face of each of them. Don’t get me wrong – being soaking wet and cold for an entire day isn’t fun, but staying positive in these situations is helpful. I’d like to work regular meditation back into my schedule – 20 minutes per day. It shouldn’t be too hard – just need to commit.
- Live simply. I love this part. Walking is itself a very meditative, beautiful activity. It gives me a lot of time to reflect on what I am grateful for. I mix walking in silence, listening to music, and listening to audiobooks.
- Take on a challenge. Yeah this has definitely been a challenge. Maine is not like normal hiking. I’ve scrambled up and down near-vertical rock faces, walked through trail-turned-river, and gotten on all fours to climb around house-sized boulders. There have been very few flat footpaths along the way.
Fears
- Injury. All I can do here is try to go slow, be smart, and stretch a lot.
- Ticks and Lyme Disease. I am taking the right precautions here. But I can’t 100% prevent this. It’s funny how much I thought about his pre-hike and hardly at all since I started.
- Loneliness. This trip is exactly the right mix of people and solitude. It’s both exhilarating and calming to be alone in the woods. At the same time, I pass a dozen northbounders each day and see people at every hostel and campsite. I met back up with Smiles and Jbird in Gorham – two guys that I started with in the wilderness.
- Boredom. Honestly, not bored yet.
- Bears. Not yet!
- Judgment. When you’re surrounded by a bunch of people doing the same thing as you, you realize that you’re not alone in wanting to do something like this. Thousands of people with both similar and different motivations are out here. I am also surrounded by incredibly supportive people in my personal life who are cheering me on at every turn.
- Failure. The more I am able to focus on what I am grateful for with each passing day, the less I am concerned about getting to Georgia. Learning from and enjoying the journey is more important than the end goal.
It’s been a great trip. I’m excited for New Hampshire! My first 5 miles were in the pouring rain, and I spent the next 10 miles in calf-deep water and mud. Tomorrow, a day off with my parents. I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate my first month on the trail.
52°F Fog
White Mountains, Gorham, NH, United States
Trails And Travels 