I am seriously contemplating hiking the Appalachian Trail starting this spring. I have wanted to do this for a while and now I have the time. I was attending college as a Junior at the University of Montana this past semester. I got pretty bad grades and now I am back home in Evanston, Illinois living with my parents. I won't be going back to school until after this summer and I feel like this is the perfect time to hike the AT. It is a time of uncertainty, a time when my confidence in myself has been shaken, a time when I am asking myself if this is really all there is to life. School and more school and jobs and work and more work. I'm not saying these are not worthwhile things, but I want to experience life, I want to do something to let myself know I'm alive. I want to prove something to myself. I want to be outside every day in a beautiful environment with beautiful people. I want to make my self uncomfortable, challenge myself and do some soul searching.
I want to tell my parents about this dream I have, but I am afraid of their rejection. Honestly, if they rejected the idea I would still do it. There is just one thing that is standing in the way...money. I am pretty broke. I have heard that it costs about $4,500 to support yourself for six months of living on the AT. I also understand that the best time to leave is between the months of March and May, May at the latest. I would be hiking NOBO. It is February 1st today and I have about $300 in the bank. This means I need to raise about $4,000 in under 3 months. Does anybody have any advice for how I can do this? I am currently in the job hunt but it is taking too long. I am very anxious to hike the AT. I really do not want to wait another year. This is the time to pursue my dream. Any advice? Should I take out a loan? I really don't want to take out a loan. I would appreciate your thoughts on my situation. Thanks for listening.
-Beansandrice