Sacrifices

It never occurred to me that people would be so intrigued in the sacrifices I would have to make in order to hike the Appalachian Trail nor I was aware that people were so forthcoming with pointing them out either. I think my favorite and most common use of their phrase is when they ask me if I am aware of a certain sacrifice that I am going to have to make. “So what are you going to do without the internet?” Um yeah, how will I ever survive. I guess I am a 2009 survivalist…planning a trip without having internet access. So it dawned on me; what are my biggest sacrifices I am going to have to make?

1. Charlie: My 1 ½ year old Pug Charlie. He’s my little buddy. I am most definitely going to miss my little one but he will be staying with Rudy (my parents Shih Tzu) so I’ll be forgotten from his tiny little brain 30 seconds after I am out of sight.

2. Football: The last several Springs I have been engaged in the epic struggle for men not wanting to give up playing football. Yes, I have been QB for the last three seasons for various different teams throughout the Dallas metroplex. However, I need some time away from sports. Sports have ruled my life and its time for me to seek more out of this life then trying to live out my dreams on the gridiron. One of my all-time dreams was to play quarterback and I got that opportunity in both arena football and regular outdoor football. I was even a part of a championship arena football team that received Super Bowl sized rings. This year after the football season I proceeded on playing baseball for the Dallas Nationals. We stunk but it was good to get out there and play some ball again. I also played tons and tons of flag football as well. So, thank you 2009, you have successfully burned me outta playing sports and allowing me to hike the Appalachian Trail.

3. Comfort: Yup, goodbye comfort. Theres nothing comfortable about long distance hiking. I plan on blisters, bad sleeping conditions, aches and pains, and at times, wanting to cry myself over the next mountain. That is all part of it for me. Suffering like that will teach me some valuable lesson I am sure.

4. Bathing: This one is very low on my list of concerns. Don’t really care much how I smell when I am out on the trail. I’m sure I will offend some unknowing passerby but oh well. This topic is a particular favorite amongst the female species. There reaction to my answer is quite a spectacle in most cases.

5. Loneliness: Nah, there will be tons of hikers along the way. I’m sure I will be able to convince at least one person to come on the trail with me for at least a day hike. Plus, being alone, sorting out my thoughts, ideas, goals, is why I want to do this in the first place.

6. Food: Yup, it’ll get dull but I plan on stopping at every gas station and fast food restaurant along the way.

So that is my current list of sacrifices so far that I feel I am going to have to make. I would like to tell you now that this is an ongoing list so more will be added at a later date.