Remember several months ago when the Flu was in style and the thing to have? Everybody had to get it. If you weren’t touched by the old Flu you were a nobody, apparently. Facebook lit up with status updates about who had the Swine Flu and how a particular person felt about their ordeal. Yeah, well, I finally got it. They don’t know if it’s the Swine Flu or just regular Flu because they said it doesn’t matter because they treat it the same. It also costs $300 to determine what kind so I opted for just knowing I have Influenza.
Seriously body, why couldn’t you have contracted this little virus when it was cool? Instead, I had to be the marvel and the worry maker at the doctor’s office because I was Influenza case #2 for the month. Now, everyone at the doctor’s office is in a panic about the next pandemic I am apparently starting. Seriously, it’s like I’m the one who was still wearing a fanny pack in 2000 when it was the super cool fad of 1991. The Flu is totally out of style in almost March, 2010. Now, because I got it a lot later I can’t go into work because I work with mostly moms and none of them want to get sick.
I got to be honest though. The only reason I went into the doctor’s office is because of my AT trek. Otherwise, I would have just assumed I had a cold and moved on. However, two years ago almost to the day I had the same symptoms when I was playing arena football. Instead of taking care of the problem I just thought I’d “tough” it out. Well, I knew I was in trouble when I couldn’t make it through calling a play in the huddle without gasping for breath and hacking up my lungs. Apparently, I had a slight case of both Bronchitis and Pneumonia (let it be known I didn’t miss one practice or game). So, I wanted to make sure I was on top of this before I got on the trail and couldn’t make it after three days. Doc said I would be fine by April 1st.
On a side note, I weighed in, at the doctor’s, at 218 lbs. It’s better than my 230 lbs I was when I started the 300 Mile Challenge on my website in December. I don’t know though. I feel differently because I have spent the last several years weight training for football so now I don’t do that and I feel weird. Oh well, I’ll prolly be a stick figure when I get back from the Trail.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Refocused and Refreshed
Yaaaay, I’m focused and refreshed. Per the prior blog, I opted to take a step back from my constant trip planning and internet research and just kind of re-shift my complete focus back to God. Well, it worked. You see, I do not want to suffer burn-out of my AT trip before I even leave so I had to go back to what I was used…daily knowledge attainment. I had become overwhelmed with planning my trip and gear purchasing and needing some relief. It was very easy to lose focus but once I dedicated myself to getting back on track and staying focused it was just as easy to get back in the swing of things. I strongly suggest that you should do this too!!
I still had some trials last week to which I can apply the lessons learned to my AT thru-hike. I opted to drive from Dallas to Atlanta on Friday for a wedding. I started the 820 mile trek at 6am on Friday morning of last week. When I got to Louisiana, my AT day-dreaming was rudely interrupted by a flat tire (please note that I was listening to A Walk in the Woods on CD). How dare my car have a blow out without my permission!!! Anywho, instead of being filled with a lot of anxiety, anger, and stress I just promptly changed the tire and continued my journey east all the while thanking God that I was safe and me or another person were not hurt. I think that had I not had the refocus session last week there could have been more anger and anxiety involved. Anyways, to answer most people’s questions…yes, driving is cheaper than flying. No, driving is not cheaper than flying when having a blowout and finding out you need to buy two new tires for an additional $273 on top of gas. What can I learn from this? Well, I will face adversity while on the trail but I will always keep God as my number one! Because I kept a positive attitude I had the best time at the wedding and I did not allow it to ruin my time even if I can’t afford new tires. Yay for Faith!!
With my priorities back on track and my stress levels down, I will now be able to start the next leg of my AT preparation. I will be moving from my apartment this weekend to the floor of a friend’s living room for about 3 ½ weeks. I thank God everyday for the friends I have and I am very appreciative of the things they do for me. This move is a little different though. I am basically throwing away or donating all of the momentos from the past…stuff I have kept for endless moves and now its all going bubye. Sad in a way, especially when you are sorting through a box and come across a picture or two. Oh well. The memories in my brain will have to suffice.
So, the moral of this journal is: yay God, yay getting back in His word, yay refocusing, yay great wedding, yay two new tires, yay I am alive, yay for friends, yay for moving, yay for tossing or donating a lot of stuff, yay for AT planning, and yay for the chest cold I now have. Ok, kidding about the chest cold. Just seeing if you were paying attention.
GEAR UPDATE: So, last week I received my University of Texas (couldn’t find UK ones) crocs. Yup, they will officially be my camp shoes. So light indeed. I also got my Marmot Sawtooth 15 degree sleeping bag. Seems light and easy to pack. Havent tried it out yet. Also received my Tuli’s cups. These are heel inserts that go in my shoes. They have worked wonders on my for football and baseball in the last few years so a new pair are taking the trek with me. Google them if you don’t know what they are. I also got my Marmot Precip rain jacket. I’ve worn it every day so far. Love it.
On a side note…I went to the Coke Museum in Atlanta. Pretty cool but the taste testing at the end should come with a warning. There are 64 flavors of coke but they don’t taste like any of the Coke that you buy here in America. There was Banana/Mint from Zimbabwe and other fruity tasting Cokes. There were also bitter tasting ones from like Germany and stuff. I walked out pretty sick so I suggest not trying all 64 flavors.
God Bless,
One Life
I still had some trials last week to which I can apply the lessons learned to my AT thru-hike. I opted to drive from Dallas to Atlanta on Friday for a wedding. I started the 820 mile trek at 6am on Friday morning of last week. When I got to Louisiana, my AT day-dreaming was rudely interrupted by a flat tire (please note that I was listening to A Walk in the Woods on CD). How dare my car have a blow out without my permission!!! Anywho, instead of being filled with a lot of anxiety, anger, and stress I just promptly changed the tire and continued my journey east all the while thanking God that I was safe and me or another person were not hurt. I think that had I not had the refocus session last week there could have been more anger and anxiety involved. Anyways, to answer most people’s questions…yes, driving is cheaper than flying. No, driving is not cheaper than flying when having a blowout and finding out you need to buy two new tires for an additional $273 on top of gas. What can I learn from this? Well, I will face adversity while on the trail but I will always keep God as my number one! Because I kept a positive attitude I had the best time at the wedding and I did not allow it to ruin my time even if I can’t afford new tires. Yay for Faith!!
With my priorities back on track and my stress levels down, I will now be able to start the next leg of my AT preparation. I will be moving from my apartment this weekend to the floor of a friend’s living room for about 3 ½ weeks. I thank God everyday for the friends I have and I am very appreciative of the things they do for me. This move is a little different though. I am basically throwing away or donating all of the momentos from the past…stuff I have kept for endless moves and now its all going bubye. Sad in a way, especially when you are sorting through a box and come across a picture or two. Oh well. The memories in my brain will have to suffice.
So, the moral of this journal is: yay God, yay getting back in His word, yay refocusing, yay great wedding, yay two new tires, yay I am alive, yay for friends, yay for moving, yay for tossing or donating a lot of stuff, yay for AT planning, and yay for the chest cold I now have. Ok, kidding about the chest cold. Just seeing if you were paying attention.
GEAR UPDATE: So, last week I received my University of Texas (couldn’t find UK ones) crocs. Yup, they will officially be my camp shoes. So light indeed. I also got my Marmot Sawtooth 15 degree sleeping bag. Seems light and easy to pack. Havent tried it out yet. Also received my Tuli’s cups. These are heel inserts that go in my shoes. They have worked wonders on my for football and baseball in the last few years so a new pair are taking the trek with me. Google them if you don’t know what they are. I also got my Marmot Precip rain jacket. I’ve worn it every day so far. Love it.
On a side note…I went to the Coke Museum in Atlanta. Pretty cool but the taste testing at the end should come with a warning. There are 64 flavors of coke but they don’t taste like any of the Coke that you buy here in America. There was Banana/Mint from Zimbabwe and other fruity tasting Cokes. There were also bitter tasting ones from like Germany and stuff. I walked out pretty sick so I suggest not trying all 64 flavors.
God Bless,
One Life
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Refocusing on Him
I guess when you plan something as enormous and life changing as an Appalachian Trail thru hike you are not aware of the tiny little details that need attention on top of the obvious big ones. I knew I would be buying gear, planning routes, deliberating over what I’m going to eat and all of that jazz but I had no idea of the other stresses associated with this such as moving, where stuff and dogs are going to go, bills, and all the while working a full time job. Last week, I guess I thought it was all on my shoulders to make decisions for my future and on top of everything I had a presentation at work that needed my care and dedication to. Besides that I spent over $600 dollars on all sorts of stuff related to my hike. Spending large amounts of money always makes me nervous. With all of that, I guess I just lost focus on what I really need to focus on…God.
This week, I’m taking a hiatus from the computer, hiking gear, internet, updating websites, moving, and anything that gets my focus away from my true purpose…God. I am dedicating the next 5 days to refocusing on God so that I can stay on track when things get stressful again. Instead of spending countless hours on the internet searching for gear, reading equipment reviews, worrying about this or that bill, how am I going to get to point A to point B, and distressing about work presentations, I am just simply going to be with God. How, you might ask? Simple, I’m just going to dive into His word, pray, and simply just relax. I’ll start eating right and not just “quick” meals that end up providing my body with no nutrition and I need to start sleeping at least 8 hours again.
I guaranty when you give your worries to God, He will take care of you. As a Christ follower I fervently believe that God will take care of my needs and show me ways that I did not think about. I guess for those non believers out there this might not make sense but I challenge you, who do not believe, to give your heart to Him and you will see life in a whole other beautiful way. You can’t say it’s not for you until you try it.
So, with that being said, I am dedicating this week to putting my priorities back in place with God and taking a vacation or hiatus from planning and worrying. I leave you with my favorite verse:
Proverbs 3:5-6
5Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
This week, I’m taking a hiatus from the computer, hiking gear, internet, updating websites, moving, and anything that gets my focus away from my true purpose…God. I am dedicating the next 5 days to refocusing on God so that I can stay on track when things get stressful again. Instead of spending countless hours on the internet searching for gear, reading equipment reviews, worrying about this or that bill, how am I going to get to point A to point B, and distressing about work presentations, I am just simply going to be with God. How, you might ask? Simple, I’m just going to dive into His word, pray, and simply just relax. I’ll start eating right and not just “quick” meals that end up providing my body with no nutrition and I need to start sleeping at least 8 hours again.
I guaranty when you give your worries to God, He will take care of you. As a Christ follower I fervently believe that God will take care of my needs and show me ways that I did not think about. I guess for those non believers out there this might not make sense but I challenge you, who do not believe, to give your heart to Him and you will see life in a whole other beautiful way. You can’t say it’s not for you until you try it.
So, with that being said, I am dedicating this week to putting my priorities back in place with God and taking a vacation or hiatus from planning and worrying. I leave you with my favorite verse:
Proverbs 3:5-6
5Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Big 4
As I write this the snow is falling quite continuously. Not so normal for the Dallas area. Anyways, lately I’ve been extremely stressed out. Funny enough, most of it has little to do directly with preparation for my April 1st start date. No, the majority of it is life related and the stuff I have to do before I take the fateful step off of Springer Mountain. I have four what I call major events happening between now and April 1st. These four events are causing me anxiety, stress, and a general nervousness. Thankfully, God is watching over me and guiding my every move which is lessening the stress and making able to cope with all of this.
Big 4 #1- Next weekend one of my best buddies from the University of Kentucky (go Cats!) is getting married right outside of Atlanta, GA next weekend (Feb 20th to be exact). My initial plans were to fly in but then I realized most of the other buddies attending this wedding are flying in too so being transported around would have been more of an ordeal. So, with it being cheaper and more accessible to drive, I will be making the 12 ½ hour drive early next Friday morning and then driving back Sunday afternoon. I plan on stopping halfway on my way back, maybe in Mississippi or something, and then finishing the drive on Monday. The wedding itself is not stressful to me but it’s the prep and driving that can seem a bit long.
Big 4 #2- The very next weekend, February 27-28, my roommate and I have to move out of our apartment due to the end of the lease. Again, very stressful. I am trying to get rid of most of my stuff but its harder said then done. Another buddy offered to let me use a storage unit as he owns a storage facility so I am thinking of taking him up on that. However, from Feb 28-Mar 25 I will be homeless. Now, I will not be sleeping on the streets but I will be on couches and floors. I think I am staying with one friend who has graciously offered me the couch and is cool with having my dog stay there as well. Anyways, you know how it is when you feel like you’re imposing on someone’s life…Yeah, that’s how I feel.
Big 4 #3- I think I have set the date to drive back to MD (where my parents live) from TX as March 25. It will take me 2 days with small breaks in between. My sister might be joining my dog and I which would be totally fun. Plus, if I can find a home for my car and its payments here in TX it might be done in a rental car as well. Anyways, according to Mapquest.com its going to take 21 hour 11 minutes to drive the 1338.61 miles. Its kind of a long drive. Plus, I’ll have to stop to let my dog go to the bathroom and have my favorite travel snacks of Red Bull and Combos.
Big 4 #4- I’ll get to Maryland around March 26th where I will hang out for a few days and tie up some loose ends regarding gear and stuff. Then, on Wednesday March 31st, my mom and I will be driving the 10 hour 52 minute 650.79 mile drive to Amicalola Falls so I can be on the mountain by April 1.
That raps up the Big 4. I didn’t even mention the little stuff I will be doing with my continual purchasing of gear, finishing my job, and working with the Cornerstone Crossroads Academy students. To add to the stress I have to find a home for my car and see if I can put my college loans on hold for the time I’m gone. Also, last thing, I have to take several days to wean myself off of my beloved coffee. Yeah, I don’t want to just quit cold turkey the first day on the trail. I want to be good and ready for the trail coffee-free.
Gear Update: Got my Patagonia Nano Micropuff jacket yesterday. Since it is snowing and crappy outside I have been wearing it while walking my dog. Seems super warm. Now, I’m thinking about getting the Marmot Precip as an outer layer and a rain jacket. Decisions decisions decisions. I also got my 2010 Thru Hiker Companion book yesterday so I can start logistical planning. I have been using the 2009 but, you know, you want the most up to date version. Lastly, I got the confirmation that my lovely University of Texas burnt orange Crocs were shipped. Yay, I’ll have camp shoes.
God bless you.
One Life
Big 4 #1- Next weekend one of my best buddies from the University of Kentucky (go Cats!) is getting married right outside of Atlanta, GA next weekend (Feb 20th to be exact). My initial plans were to fly in but then I realized most of the other buddies attending this wedding are flying in too so being transported around would have been more of an ordeal. So, with it being cheaper and more accessible to drive, I will be making the 12 ½ hour drive early next Friday morning and then driving back Sunday afternoon. I plan on stopping halfway on my way back, maybe in Mississippi or something, and then finishing the drive on Monday. The wedding itself is not stressful to me but it’s the prep and driving that can seem a bit long.
Big 4 #2- The very next weekend, February 27-28, my roommate and I have to move out of our apartment due to the end of the lease. Again, very stressful. I am trying to get rid of most of my stuff but its harder said then done. Another buddy offered to let me use a storage unit as he owns a storage facility so I am thinking of taking him up on that. However, from Feb 28-Mar 25 I will be homeless. Now, I will not be sleeping on the streets but I will be on couches and floors. I think I am staying with one friend who has graciously offered me the couch and is cool with having my dog stay there as well. Anyways, you know how it is when you feel like you’re imposing on someone’s life…Yeah, that’s how I feel.
Big 4 #3- I think I have set the date to drive back to MD (where my parents live) from TX as March 25. It will take me 2 days with small breaks in between. My sister might be joining my dog and I which would be totally fun. Plus, if I can find a home for my car and its payments here in TX it might be done in a rental car as well. Anyways, according to Mapquest.com its going to take 21 hour 11 minutes to drive the 1338.61 miles. Its kind of a long drive. Plus, I’ll have to stop to let my dog go to the bathroom and have my favorite travel snacks of Red Bull and Combos.
Big 4 #4- I’ll get to Maryland around March 26th where I will hang out for a few days and tie up some loose ends regarding gear and stuff. Then, on Wednesday March 31st, my mom and I will be driving the 10 hour 52 minute 650.79 mile drive to Amicalola Falls so I can be on the mountain by April 1.
That raps up the Big 4. I didn’t even mention the little stuff I will be doing with my continual purchasing of gear, finishing my job, and working with the Cornerstone Crossroads Academy students. To add to the stress I have to find a home for my car and see if I can put my college loans on hold for the time I’m gone. Also, last thing, I have to take several days to wean myself off of my beloved coffee. Yeah, I don’t want to just quit cold turkey the first day on the trail. I want to be good and ready for the trail coffee-free.
Gear Update: Got my Patagonia Nano Micropuff jacket yesterday. Since it is snowing and crappy outside I have been wearing it while walking my dog. Seems super warm. Now, I’m thinking about getting the Marmot Precip as an outer layer and a rain jacket. Decisions decisions decisions. I also got my 2010 Thru Hiker Companion book yesterday so I can start logistical planning. I have been using the 2009 but, you know, you want the most up to date version. Lastly, I got the confirmation that my lovely University of Texas burnt orange Crocs were shipped. Yay, I’ll have camp shoes.
God bless you.
One Life
Monday, February 8, 2010
North Shore Trail Prep Hike
Last Saturday I finally got the chance to do some “actual” hiking. Finally! Seriously, it’s tough to just “get away” on a trail when you live in Texas. There’s not exactly a trail at every stop here in the Dallas area so you have to just make due with what you got, feel me? However, I did do some research and found the North Shore Trail on the banks of Lake Grapevine. Nice little trail. From one end to the other it’s approximately 9 miles. It was built in the 1930’s as a public works project (quiz: who was the President during that time period? Answer at the bottom) and is now maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
When my friend Kristin and I set out it was overcast and about 43 degrees. I had a few main reasons for wanting to do an actual hike. First, I had to test my shoes (Vasque Blur). Second, I had to test my endurance as I have only been doing my daily walks of 4 miles or less a day. Third, I wanted to get out and into the woods.
We had a good time. It was great to get back into the woods. I brought a backpack with about half of the weight I am going to be carrying on the AT. I have to get used to carrying weight but I didn’t want to overdo it for this trip. Anyways, we walked about 11 miles in all.
The shoes: I am so very impressed with my Vasque trail runners so far. After 11 miles with beginner ascents and descents my feet did not even have a hot spot let alone any blisters. My feet were in great shape and I am sooooo happy about that. I am probably going to stick with trail runners. The only variance I have yet to test out is the weather and how the shoes hold up in the rain or muddy conditions. That will come while I am on AT because I will not be testing my Vasque’s in rain beforehand.
My endurance: So-so. Nothing awesome. Only walking 3-4 miles a day due to working full time and being a single father (to Charlie the Black Pug) I can’t walk a ton each day. I am more relying on the weekends for more distancy type walks. Anywho, I was pretty tired at the end. I was also starved. I don’t really appreciate my stomach having a hikers appetite after only 3 hours of hiking. That’s supposed to happen weeks into a hiking trip, not hours. Also, the place on my foot where my heel and ankle come together was quite sore on my left foot. Two years ago I sprained my ankle in the exact spot (at least I think I did) while playing against the DFW Doom in arena football. It never seemed to heel and I had to get it taped a lot for last season. I hope that it’s just a soreness thing and not a damage/foot needs to be amputated thing.
Into the Woods: Yaaaaaay, it was awesome….aside from the 757’s that were flying over head constantly due to the DFW International Airport being right next to Lake Grapevine. Other than the occasional jet, it was quite peaceful.
On another note: CALLING ALL APPALACHIAN TRAIL THRU HIKERS. I’m about to buy a down sleeping bag. Yes, I am aware of the effects of when it gets wet. Hear me out though. I hate being cold at night. I absolutely hate losing sleep due to being chilly. Am I taking a well calculated risk or is this foolhardy and I should stick to synthetic? I need your input.
Gear Update: After several hours of intensive research on Trailjournals.com I decided to buy the Patagonia Micropuff Nano Jacket. This will be my warmth or at least some of it. I also bought the 2010 Thru Hikers Companion book. Oh, and I purchased some University of Texas Crocs. I looked for University of Kentucky, my alma mater but they didn’t have any so I figured I would have my crocs be the piece of Texas I carry for this trip…TX being the state I currently reside in I feel obligated to bring something from the Longhorn state short of a TX flag. I think I’m gonna wear my favorite Red Sox hat as I grew up in NH and I am a die hard New England all around sports fan. Now, I need some ideas on what I can carry as a piece of KY on this trip.
(Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt)
http://www.awalkforthefuture.com/
One Life
When my friend Kristin and I set out it was overcast and about 43 degrees. I had a few main reasons for wanting to do an actual hike. First, I had to test my shoes (Vasque Blur). Second, I had to test my endurance as I have only been doing my daily walks of 4 miles or less a day. Third, I wanted to get out and into the woods.
We had a good time. It was great to get back into the woods. I brought a backpack with about half of the weight I am going to be carrying on the AT. I have to get used to carrying weight but I didn’t want to overdo it for this trip. Anyways, we walked about 11 miles in all.
The shoes: I am so very impressed with my Vasque trail runners so far. After 11 miles with beginner ascents and descents my feet did not even have a hot spot let alone any blisters. My feet were in great shape and I am sooooo happy about that. I am probably going to stick with trail runners. The only variance I have yet to test out is the weather and how the shoes hold up in the rain or muddy conditions. That will come while I am on AT because I will not be testing my Vasque’s in rain beforehand.
My endurance: So-so. Nothing awesome. Only walking 3-4 miles a day due to working full time and being a single father (to Charlie the Black Pug) I can’t walk a ton each day. I am more relying on the weekends for more distancy type walks. Anywho, I was pretty tired at the end. I was also starved. I don’t really appreciate my stomach having a hikers appetite after only 3 hours of hiking. That’s supposed to happen weeks into a hiking trip, not hours. Also, the place on my foot where my heel and ankle come together was quite sore on my left foot. Two years ago I sprained my ankle in the exact spot (at least I think I did) while playing against the DFW Doom in arena football. It never seemed to heel and I had to get it taped a lot for last season. I hope that it’s just a soreness thing and not a damage/foot needs to be amputated thing.
Into the Woods: Yaaaaaay, it was awesome….aside from the 757’s that were flying over head constantly due to the DFW International Airport being right next to Lake Grapevine. Other than the occasional jet, it was quite peaceful.
On another note: CALLING ALL APPALACHIAN TRAIL THRU HIKERS. I’m about to buy a down sleeping bag. Yes, I am aware of the effects of when it gets wet. Hear me out though. I hate being cold at night. I absolutely hate losing sleep due to being chilly. Am I taking a well calculated risk or is this foolhardy and I should stick to synthetic? I need your input.
Gear Update: After several hours of intensive research on Trailjournals.com I decided to buy the Patagonia Micropuff Nano Jacket. This will be my warmth or at least some of it. I also bought the 2010 Thru Hikers Companion book. Oh, and I purchased some University of Texas Crocs. I looked for University of Kentucky, my alma mater but they didn’t have any so I figured I would have my crocs be the piece of Texas I carry for this trip…TX being the state I currently reside in I feel obligated to bring something from the Longhorn state short of a TX flag. I think I’m gonna wear my favorite Red Sox hat as I grew up in NH and I am a die hard New England all around sports fan. Now, I need some ideas on what I can carry as a piece of KY on this trip.
(Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt)
http://www.awalkforthefuture.com/
One Life
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
T-minus 56 Days and Counting
56 days seems like an eternity right now. I really feel like that little kid that’s sitting in bed waiting for Christmas morning to arrive…only I have 55 more Christmas Eves to go. To say the least I am very excited about taking that step off of Springer Mountain in Georgia on my journey to Maine. I have been asked how prepared am I and how I am coming along so I thought I would write an update on everything on my preparedness for A Walk for the Future.
The last few weeks have seen many changes to my lifestyle and all of it is in preparation for my trek. The month of March not only sees me getting ready for my hike but also is the time when I am quitting my job and moving out of my apartment. Actually to be honest with you, my lease is up here at my apartment in Frisco, TX on February 28. My plan is to stay on floors or couches with friends while I finish out work. However, being out of this apartment by the end of February is the cause of some stress. I have a lot of stuff I need to get rid of. I have to decide what needs to be kept and what needs to be tossed. Most of my stuff is either being tossed, donated, sold, or given away. The only real stuff I want to keep is my book collection (mostly Civil War and spiritual books), clothes, hiking equipment, and various other loose odds and ends. Everything else is gone. It’s tough going from being in a settled environment to a nomadic life. I think that once I get rid of my stuff and I have that piece of mind that I will be alright with this nomadic lifestyle.
A couple of weeks ago, I made it official at work that I was leaving. I picked the date of Friday, March 19. That will give me time to spend some days at Cornerstone Crossroads Academy before I go to Maryland. I will be leaving Texas on Thursday March 25 and hopefully getting to the Old Line State (MD) on Friday, March 26. I’m not quite sure how this will go because I will have the little Choochsters (my dog) with me on the drive to MD. He has never been in the car for more than an hour and he seems uneasy with riding. Tough, get used to it pal is all I can tell him. Anyways, my boss has been really supportive with me leaving to follow my dreams and has been working with me to keep all my doors open. That means she wants me to be able to at least try to get my job back when I come back. I’m not sure about that but I don’t want to close any doors. You never know. All I know is that March 19 is my last day…I’m quitting my job. After that, I am in the Lord’s grace to spread His message. Like I have stated before I want to start an outreach ministry when I come back so hopefully it will all go great.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank class of ’07 AT thru hiker Diesel for his generous gift to me. Because of his generosity I will be able to get some of the supplies and equipment that I thought that I would have to skimp out on. I had never met him before but I reached out to him via email after reading his trail journal (which can be found at http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=5323) seeking advice. He’s been awesome with the advice and is a very generous guy. Anyways, because of his bigheartedness I can now buy some warmer clothes for the cooler nights (anyone that knows me personally knows that I am the world’s biggest wuss with being cold…weird for a guy that grew up in NH). Thanks Diesel.
Lets see, other updates…well, I have my pack and my hiking footwear as stated in previous blogs. I’ve decided that I’m going to not mail my food and supplies in advance to be held at the post offices but instead I’m just going to get stuff when I get to the various towns. I decided to do this after I realized that I could not possibly know what food I would want several weeks into a trip. You try eating noodles every night…not exactly something you want to open in a box of supplies 3 months into the trip. Therefore, to save myself the money of shipping stuff I won’t use I am just going to buy my supplies at town stops along the way. I can always change my mind when I get to Harpers Ferry. That’s where I am leaving the trail for several days to rest at my parent’s house before I start the second half.
Oh, I think I have solved the question on how I am going to be able to update my blog while I’m gone. Diesel told me he got the internet on a great portion of the trail so I’ll just update my blog via the internet on my phone. I think it will truly be neat as all get out for my friends to read about what I did that same exact day instead of like a week or two later. Plus, it will give me something to do at night.
Well, that’s it for this update. I know, not the most entertaining of blogs or updates but I thought I would just get it down on paper. I started writing my journals back in September when I official “came out of the AT closet” so to speak with my desire to hike the trail. I wanted to capture my thoughts and emotions with everything involved in this process so that maybe one day I could look back and read about it. If you’re interested you can read it at www.awalkforforthefuture.com in the travel blog section. Starting from journal 1 back in September to now you can see the evolution of everything that has transpired since I made this decision.
God bless,
One Life
http://www.awalkforthefuture.com/
The last few weeks have seen many changes to my lifestyle and all of it is in preparation for my trek. The month of March not only sees me getting ready for my hike but also is the time when I am quitting my job and moving out of my apartment. Actually to be honest with you, my lease is up here at my apartment in Frisco, TX on February 28. My plan is to stay on floors or couches with friends while I finish out work. However, being out of this apartment by the end of February is the cause of some stress. I have a lot of stuff I need to get rid of. I have to decide what needs to be kept and what needs to be tossed. Most of my stuff is either being tossed, donated, sold, or given away. The only real stuff I want to keep is my book collection (mostly Civil War and spiritual books), clothes, hiking equipment, and various other loose odds and ends. Everything else is gone. It’s tough going from being in a settled environment to a nomadic life. I think that once I get rid of my stuff and I have that piece of mind that I will be alright with this nomadic lifestyle.
A couple of weeks ago, I made it official at work that I was leaving. I picked the date of Friday, March 19. That will give me time to spend some days at Cornerstone Crossroads Academy before I go to Maryland. I will be leaving Texas on Thursday March 25 and hopefully getting to the Old Line State (MD) on Friday, March 26. I’m not quite sure how this will go because I will have the little Choochsters (my dog) with me on the drive to MD. He has never been in the car for more than an hour and he seems uneasy with riding. Tough, get used to it pal is all I can tell him. Anyways, my boss has been really supportive with me leaving to follow my dreams and has been working with me to keep all my doors open. That means she wants me to be able to at least try to get my job back when I come back. I’m not sure about that but I don’t want to close any doors. You never know. All I know is that March 19 is my last day…I’m quitting my job. After that, I am in the Lord’s grace to spread His message. Like I have stated before I want to start an outreach ministry when I come back so hopefully it will all go great.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank class of ’07 AT thru hiker Diesel for his generous gift to me. Because of his generosity I will be able to get some of the supplies and equipment that I thought that I would have to skimp out on. I had never met him before but I reached out to him via email after reading his trail journal (which can be found at http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=5323) seeking advice. He’s been awesome with the advice and is a very generous guy. Anyways, because of his bigheartedness I can now buy some warmer clothes for the cooler nights (anyone that knows me personally knows that I am the world’s biggest wuss with being cold…weird for a guy that grew up in NH). Thanks Diesel.
Lets see, other updates…well, I have my pack and my hiking footwear as stated in previous blogs. I’ve decided that I’m going to not mail my food and supplies in advance to be held at the post offices but instead I’m just going to get stuff when I get to the various towns. I decided to do this after I realized that I could not possibly know what food I would want several weeks into a trip. You try eating noodles every night…not exactly something you want to open in a box of supplies 3 months into the trip. Therefore, to save myself the money of shipping stuff I won’t use I am just going to buy my supplies at town stops along the way. I can always change my mind when I get to Harpers Ferry. That’s where I am leaving the trail for several days to rest at my parent’s house before I start the second half.
Oh, I think I have solved the question on how I am going to be able to update my blog while I’m gone. Diesel told me he got the internet on a great portion of the trail so I’ll just update my blog via the internet on my phone. I think it will truly be neat as all get out for my friends to read about what I did that same exact day instead of like a week or two later. Plus, it will give me something to do at night.
Well, that’s it for this update. I know, not the most entertaining of blogs or updates but I thought I would just get it down on paper. I started writing my journals back in September when I official “came out of the AT closet” so to speak with my desire to hike the trail. I wanted to capture my thoughts and emotions with everything involved in this process so that maybe one day I could look back and read about it. If you’re interested you can read it at www.awalkforforthefuture.com in the travel blog section. Starting from journal 1 back in September to now you can see the evolution of everything that has transpired since I made this decision.
God bless,
One Life
http://www.awalkforthefuture.com/
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