Sunday, June 14, 2009

Rocks and Roots and Rain, Oh My!

In the last three months we've both resigned from jobs we enjoy, moved out of a house that we love and decided to eat dehydrated food and forgo deodorant for the next six months of our lives. On July 24th we will summit Mt. Katahdin and begin the 2,175 mile walk to Springer Mt. Georgia. This has been both an individual and shared dream for the two of us for many years and the remaining weeks seem like they cannot go fast enough.

This past weekend we hiked the Bigelows near Stratton to "test" out our newest gear (the Steri-pen works fantastically). The taste of the experience (rain, rocks and all) reminds us of why we've chosen to do this. While we are looking forward to the physical challenge (yay, no more marathon training!!!) and wilderness experience it will present, we are also pulled towards this endeavor by the opportunity to live without the daily schedule and routine that our current life includes. We are looking forward to the freedom the trail will provide- walking with the sun...or rain, stopping to soak our feet or to smell the petunias and play cribbage as the cards beckon (at least until Emily gets mad that David has won the last ten games in a row). We recognize that this adventure will not be without its challenges (particularly when David eats more than his fair share of the food ration) and rainy days. These challenges are part of what pull us, knowing that they will continue to build upon the strength of our relationship.

Special thanks go out to Carole & Clayton for watching our dogswhile we're gone. Anyone who knows our sweet dog Sophie knows this can be a daunting task. Also thanks to Liz and Steve who will be managing the majority of our mail drops as well as accompanying us up Katahdin late next month (and trying to desperately feed David enough so he doesn't disappear when he turns sideways...before the hike even begins).

4 comments:

  1. I'm so excited to follow you guys:). You can definitely expect to be recieving some mail from me:)!

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  3. We'll be ready to pick you up from Springer Mountain and bring you back to civilation... we've been trying to figure out how to get rid of that pesky new car smell!

    Seriously though, we're so excited for both of you and will be following religiously. And we will be ready, whatever day of the week you arrive, to come pick you up.

    We know you'll have an amazing time... and watch out for bears!!

    Chelsea and Chris

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  4. OMG - I can't believe it's almost here!! This sounds like an incredible experience and should be filled with lots of adventure, challenges and FUN!!! So, "Half Full" seems like nothing can stop you now, and this time you have a great hiking partner (a cute one at that)... Looks like you might need a bed and some food when you travel through PA, so we'll be looking for you. Take the "road less traveled," make memories, stay away from the bears, and enjoy every minute (even the bad ones are memories, especially after they pass) and HAVE FUN! Luv Ya - Mean It - aunt sue

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Maildrop Tips

We are excited to hear from you during our hike. We will check our email sporadically and can receive packages at the address to the right.

A few additional thoughts...
*Please label all mail with "Hold for AT hikers" and the ETA
*Send everything in small portions. Everything you sent will have to be carried in our packs out of town, which is usually uphill.
*Look for food items with strong flavor - fireballs, jolly ranchers, jelly beans, dried fruits, individual sized.