I’ve felt really weird lately… it’s been a full year since I started the Appalachian Trail.
On YouTube and social media, I’m being bombarded with others who are starting the trail. Spotted one video where it was the girl’s second day and she was completely covered in snow. She seemed really down. I don’t blame her for the first few days. Hopefully she’s prepared.
Friends from the trail are experiencing similar feelings regarding their anniversaries. I’ve been seeing constant posts about how excited we are for the class of 2020.
It’s crazy that just last year, last night I was in a hotel in Atlanta unable to sleep out of nervousness and excitement. The next morning I was in complete despair as I thought my backpack was way too heavy. I listened to Streetlight Manifesto as I drove to Amicalola Falls State Park. I started the approach trail and immediately thought I was wrong when I saw a blue blaze and turned around in the first mile. I remember crossing a parking lot and some elementary school kids were clapping knowing the journey I was about to embark on. That was a crazy feeling. At that age, I didn’t know anything about the AT. It’s crazy to me that I overcame that early desire to quit and, in fact, after experiencing the desire to quit in Gatlinburg, didn’t really feel that way again for the remainder of the journey.
I miss the trail. I miss the simplistic life. I miss professionally chilling. I know I can’t complain being back. I took an early 6 month retirement.
I think about the trail quite often. I don’t know if I feel like a different person. I know I must have changed. I think I have more patience. I desire more simplicity despite reverting back to a life similar to pre-trail.
For 6 months, I didn’t have to care about my job; I had to care about climbing the next mountain.
For 6 months I was free from responsibility. The only difference between weekdays and weekends was the likelihood of receiving trail magic and as the months progressed, I didn’t look to trail magic as a driving factor on my trip. No work. No plans.
The best part of these past 6 months is getting to reconnect with my trail families
Sharktooth and I met up in Boston a few weeks ago. This upcoming weekend I’m meeting up with Cosmo, Starboi, Rocket, Plug, Shaggy, Airborne, and Which Way. We are doing trail magic in Georgia. We’re giving the class of 2020 a boost like how so many others have done in the past.
The best part is that Lilly is coming with me. She’s getting to be introduced to my friends and that makes me so happy.
Some of my favorite memories on the trail:
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Since being home I have done so much less than I thought I would. Post trail depression is real. You go from essentially having something to do every day to not doing much at all. You had an idea of what you were doing and you felt amazing at the end of the day while on the trail. I feel like every friend from the trail I’ve chatted with post trail has felt similarly. I think it’s why I look forward so much to this weekend.
Here are some post trail pictures that I’m really happy for.
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To the class of 2020, I’m so excited for you guys. It’s the time of your life. I cannot express my want to be back on the trail!
Remember these things:
- Don’t overplan
- Always take one step forward even climbing mountains
- Never quit on a tough/depressing day
- You’re in the woods hiking. You’re not at a desk. You’re living your best life.
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