13,5 km ...

A little more than 8.2 miles on my first outing. A section of Trail 3 of the Mullerthal Trail, from Blumenthal to Heringer Millen. Not too bad, right? And I am pretty happy with the overall result too.

Obviously, I am tired and for the last 1.5 mile my right shin started twitching, just above the shoe. Maybe a posture thing. We'll see. But, most importantly, my knees are ok and so are my feet. 

The shoes are great: Lowa Taurus GTX mid. For once in my life, I did not rush into a consumer decision (meaning buying stuff right away, there, on the spot) but I took the time to pester a poor lady with questions over questions. She (at McTrek's in Trier) did an outstanding job in guiding me  to those shoes. They are great. There is no other way to put it: Even though they look humungous and solid, they weigh less than two pounds the pair. And they are extremely comfy. No blisters, after 8 miles breaking them in.

On the other hand, I got to improve my hydration system. I dug out an "old" camel bag I bought two years ago, when I felt like riding the bike more regularly (I ended up riding 3 times). And I bought a plastic bottle with integrated straw yesterday, for about 10 Euro. Both won't do the trick. It's like drinking cold, liquified plastic. I guess I need to invest a little more for a decent stainless steal kind of thing, or two. And I'll leave the purification process for later on. 

Overall, it was a success. And I am looking forward to my next hike. I was thinking of having a few more day hikes these next weeks, gradually increasing the length and weight. And by the end of summer, I want to go out there for a two or three day hike, geared up and fully loaded. The full AT-simulation ...

First steps

Let the fun begin

Plotting

Hey y'all,

So many decisions ... Since I'm not in the best physical shape, and my last long distance hike is quite a while back (1992-ish), there is a need for a certain degree of preparation. 

My last days consisted in a lot of reading and researching. I like to get a certain "base of knowledge" before tackling a project. Grabbing a few books or guides, looking up stuff in the internet ... I don't go deep, but I map the lay of the land. After getting a general sense for the project, you start plotting. 

That's what I'm doing right now. I've been reading a lot these past days: Bryson's "A Walk In The Woods", David Miller's "AWOL on the Appalachian Trail", hiker journals and other testimonies. There is this great German docu: Durch die Wildnis Amerikas and a bunch of private blogs and video diaries. Like Rob Figulski's docu for instance.

And just like that, you are ready to take first steps.

You need at least 5 to 6 months to hike the whole trail. So you really need to be sure before you ask your employer for a sabbatical. Remember the stare? I am working as a radio journalist and presenter for Luxembourg's biggest news outlet. I won't say that I am irreplacable (although it is a nice thought) but my spot in the rotation has to be filled. That's why my company does not do sabbaticals. And I get it. The market for presenters is tight right now and you would have to train a replacement, just to let him go by the time he's ready to go on air.

That taken into account, you REALLY have to be sure. Because the only other way to do this, is to quit. And given the circumstances, that might turn out to be the "most stupidest" idea I had in a long time.

I guess, you do get wiser with age. Because I went for a compromise: I won't be going the whole distance right away. I will start by section hiking the AT. Start at the beginning, on Springer Mountain, in March. And see how far my feet will take me within a few weeks time. I might stumble and crumble after a few miles, throw my hiking boots over the branches at Neels Gap, drive back to Atlanta, visit the Coca Cola Museum and never look back. But I also might enjoy the whole thing, get a glimpse of what I was looking for and decide to come back.

This might be, in my current state of mind and life, the wisest approach possible.

Why?

"Why?" is propably the most FAQ. Why would you leave the safe and comfortable embrace of society, with all its perks, its electricity, its conveniance and - most importantly - its connectivity, and trade it all for a walk in the woods. For days without end, with 50 lbs on your back, countless blisters on your feet, to recuperate in a rodent infested shelter with half a dozen other smelly bearded men. Why, indeed ...

I've been reading quite a lot of accounts and journals these past few days and I guess that, in the end, it always boils down to one of three reasons:

1. to run away from something;
2. to look for something new;
3. to go on an adventure.

Or, as for me, all of the above.

I had a little wake up call a while back. My life had become a dull routine and work was all I lived for. Don't get me wrong: I love my job but I guess I became too consumed by it all. And I'm still pissed at myself. Because I had a good thing going for me back then. But by the time I had my priorities straight, it was too late.

It's been a journey ever since and I guess I need this to close the chapter once and for all.

I've aimlessy been on the lookout for a new project for a while now. Because when I saw the FB picture of a friend, who just finished the Camino in Europe, it hit me: A long distance hike might just be what I need. A physical challenge which needs a lot of preparation and planning. Something to fill me out for the months to come, with a huge reward in the end. 

But why the AT? I remembered the trailer for "A walk in the woods", the movie based on Bill Bryson's book. So, I started looking up the Appalachian Trail. And the more I read, the more I knew. It is a challenge, for sure. You can stay in the woods for days or weeks at a time, just relying on yourself and the things out of your backpack. If needed though, you are always just a few miles away from the next trail town. I like the sense of community on the trail itself. And in every single account I read, in every single interview I watched, the hikers all said the same thing: they absolutely loved it. That means a lot, coming from people who - in most cases - quit their job, left society and all their loved ones behind to head off to a mostly uncertain future. But they loved it. 

 

I guess, I'm the walking cliché then. A guy, tired with everyday life, tries to break out of the routine in reconnecting with nature. So be it. But I am absolutely fascinated by the idea. That's why you'll meet me on Springer Mountain, beginning March. See you there!

Did someone say Cookie?

There is this stare I get, followed by a wide gaze turning into a well meaning smile, when I tell people, what I'm currently up to. Like grandma listening to a seven year old's story about how he is going to grow up to be a professional soccer player. "Of course my dear ... eat your cookie!".

What follows are questions. Tons of questions. The first one usually turns around "What the heck is the AT?", the second one being "WHAT?!" (replaced by a wide eyed emoticon in online conversations). At that point, the person I'm talking to just learned, that the AT (trail lingo for Appalachian Trail) is a two thousand one hundred something mile trail through the Appalachians. Even the ATC, the trail conservancy, is not hundred percent sure how long it really is, since the distance varies throughout various publications. Sometimes even within the same book.

I does not really matter, since it's going to take you five or six months to get from Springer, Georgia to Mount Kathadin in Maine. So, who's counting anyway?

Let me start by telling you a little more about me. And you might get why people around me are shying away from getting in board with my plan: At 35+ and 200 lbs (+), my last physical activity dates back to December. And even then, distributing the xmas presents gave me sores for days. Ok, I might be overselling here but you get my drift. I'm in no condition to walk 500 miles, let alone 2200. With stuff on my back ...

But I like a challenge as much as the next guy and I love planning. There is no greater fun for me than reading in, looking up, researching, comparing, plotting, deciding and executing. And this, my friends, is the mother of all plans.

To me at least it is. Now, stop smiling.