Ontrail - Appalachian Trail Journal - 2012
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megapixel
State: Perpetual Motion
Country: USA
Begins: Mar 18, 2012
Direction: Northbound
Daily Summary
Date: Thu, Mar 1st, 2012
Journal Stats
Entry Visits: 3,609
Journal Visits: 11,403
Guestbook Views: 486
Guestbook Entrys: 10
Don't quit
Since I'm required to generate an entry to activate my account, I figured I might be able to encourage a few out there who are preparing for upcoming thru hikes. You can take a look at my journal from 2011 to see all the details, but the long and short of last year accounts for two failed attempts, a couples NOBO and a solo SOBO. My wife and I attempted a NOBO beginning at H.F., WV and after about 3 weeks it was apparent that her knees weren't going to hold up and that generally this wasn't her idea of "hiking". My SOBO was a very solitary experience, and it brought me home after missing my wife way too much, again, shortly after three weeks.
When you aim to end a dream that has been a part of your spirit for twenty years, you better make darn sure it's really over. After some time away from 2011, we both had our regrets. Hers is one that she can take in stride as she knows a thru hike is not for her. Mine is more of a I know I could have, and should have, pushed through my loneliness. I know people I've talked to from 2011 that quit and they have regret too. I think there's a smarter way to quit if you are not quitting because of injury, and I wish I would've pursued it: When you think it's over, push on at least another week. Then if you are still feeling that way, take a few zeroes. Then, on a perfect day up the trail if you still feel that way, then maybe it's not for you. But be sure. I am one of the 80% who didn't finish. Twice. I now know why the compeletion rate is so low.
I am committed to finishing in 2012; it will take a major injury or other major circumstance to pull me away from acheiving my dream. It's not an easy venture; although some say it's just walking. Whatever you think it's going to be out there, I can assure some of you that you will be challenged and pushed into thinking you should quit. DONT. Remember your dream, remember the sacrifice, remember why you are out there, and dig deep down inside and push through it. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for most > see it as that. Good luck future thru hikers!
