tashaver

Dreamer here-

Everyone asks the same question after you tell them what thru-hiking means. "Why would you want to do that?" Very few people say, "Wow! That sounds interesting. I would sure like to do that!"

So, why do I want to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail? (In no particular order. This list will evolve over time.)
▪ I want to experience the challenge of being stretched, physically and mentally.
▪ I want to discover where my inner limits actually are.
▪ Taking life to a place of experiencing the most basic elements and needs.
▪ Experiencing the thrill of "firsts" each and every day! (How many times are there in the average week that you get to say, "Hey, I have never done that before?")
▪ I am hoping that each (day/week) on the trail will in some measure help me to peel away the layers (like an onion) and hopefully by the end, I will find myself closer to the core of me than before I started.
▪ I need to be reminded once again; what, and how much I need to be thankful for in my life.
▪ I want to experience standing on Springer Mountain, knowing... I am standing on the threshold of a dream. (Dreamer 2013 GA - ME)
▪ I want to experience my life one moment at a time; unaware and separate from life as I currently know it that is complicated, always demanding and stressful. (Said another way... The opportunity of hiking for five months, away from the 24 hour news, issues at CEMA, etc. I am hoping that mentally / emotionally I will be able to really, as I have envisioned in my mind, experience my life in its purest sense.)
▪ If I do not try, I will never know.
▪ I want to be as prepared as I can possibly be, but not so much that my mind is drawn to distraction (things & stuff) and the total experience is pre-planned. May all the hours of preparation lead to a safe hike filled with satisfying all my needs, but not all of my desires.
▪ May my journey be the fertile seed that may grow in others to better prepare them for their attempt.
▪ I want to inspire my children and eventual grand children. Not so that they are proud of me, but that one day in the future they may be faced with a daunting challenge... And remember what Dad was doing when he turned 60 years old.
▪ Hiking always draws me closer to God. I would like for God to use this time to speak to me. My goal is to be open to not just hearing, but listening.