Where it began...

I've done my fair share of walking in the past, although nothing on a particularly grand scale. I've done little bits and pieces in Wales, Scotland, and just come back from Iceland. My longest single trip is the northern 130 miles of what was meant to be a thru-hike of the Pennine way. Since moving to Cornwall I've done good chunks of the coast path with my good friend Dan; these were some of the best days of my life!

My desire to hike the Appalachian Trail hit me quite suddenly one dreary afternoon in April 2011. I was mid way through my dissertation, feeling pretty stressed, and fantasizing about the thing I could do when this thing was finished! As it happened, I was reading a particular book by Bill Bryson. The idea got lodged in my brain and stuck.

Since then the Appalachian Trail has rarely left my thoughts; i'm constantly thinking trail logistics (What about my visa? How far can/ should I go each day? How long will it take?...), gear (should I take a hammock or tent? A shoe or a boot? What sort of stove?...), or browsing whiteblaze.net seeing what other aspirational hikers are doing in preparation and where the current hikers are. When I get a quiet moment at work my mind wanders and i'm briefly wandering the 'Long Green Tunnel' or standing on top of Mount Katahdin. So, to all my family and friends who have not only thus far put up with my relentless obsessing but actively supported it: Thank you!