Here lately I have been trying to prepare myself. Going to the gym and back packing as much as possible. I have been on a few trial hikes trying to test out some new gear and strengthen my leg muscles. Surprisingly my legs are allot stronger than I initially thought. I feel good! I'm getting stronger. On one occasion even clearing 9 miles before lunch time. Maybe this wont be as hard as everyone makes it out to be? Yea right….
Chaser , The Shepherd , White Man , Dirt Dobber , Rash
Everything around me is a constant reminder of what I will be leaving behind. Everything that I take for granted on a day to day basis will fade to a memory. Even the monotonous drive to work every morning almost feels comforting in some sort of weird way. The Trail is a little less than a year away. Maybe I am thinking to much
You will be leaving a great deal of comforts but will be gaining a whole new group of friends. When I hiked I went north to south just so I could meet different people every day. Take 10 days off later this spring and hike solo south. You will pick up a lot of tips just by watching other thru hikers. I would recommend May in northern VA. You will be surprised how quickly you get in a routine, and how far you can go after 5 or 6 days on the trail. My longest section hike was 10 days and I hiked 21 miles on my longest day. I think you will know after 10 days if the trail is for you or not.
ReplyDeleteRyan