The good news is I’m as excited as I’ve ever been. The bad news, my pack is to heavy. I can’t decide what to cut. Instead of cutting weight I added a pound. Now 47.4. I’m sure I have too much. I have been a student of long distance hiking for about three years and I keep reading that the number one mistake people make is packing too much. I am definitely following suit. I am very lucky to have a friend, Keith Van Gent, hiking with me. His wife is going to follow us for a few days and I will have the opportunity to get rid of some stuff as I need to. My friend Alli has hiked the AT and is cautioning me about my pack weight. Yet when I look at everything laid out on my floor I’m convinced I need it. I’m sure I am wrong and will learn.
I feel so blessed my dream is happening. I couldn’t be doing this without the support of Amy. She doesn’t always agree with my crazy tendencies, but she has always had my back. She is the best. I love her so much.
This weekend I set sail.
2017 Appalachian Hike 
Throw out the laptop. You’re in the wilderness, dude! Nice to see you give credit where credit is due…the wind beneath your crazy wings! 😍 Love you, Mike,..go big AND come home.
LikeLiked by 1 person