I started March 18th and finished August, 22nd. I met so many awesome people. What an unbelievable adventure. So glad I was afforded the opportunity for something that I know I will never forget. Not a day has gone by without thoughts of the trail. I started peeking at both Whiteblazes and Trailjournals two years before I started to gain insight. I had no hiking experience prior. These two sources were invaluable in helping me to gain helpful information. To those of you who post here, thank you! In an attempt to pay it forward, if anyone who might be thinking about a similar journey has any questions, please feel free to ask me. I am not an expert, but I'd be more than happy to relate my experiences.