I had my plate of chocolate cream pie, grandma chose apple crumble. We were talking about the Appalachian Trail.

 

Grams asked, “Now, how long is it?”

Me: “Almost 2,200 miles … It goes from Georgia to Maine.”

Grams: “And you’ll be gone for how long?”

Me: “Eh… about 6 months.”

Grandma’s eyes got wide as she nearly shouted, “HOKEY PETE!”

 

Yeah… that’s pretty much the response we get when we tell people what we are doing. In 2 weeks now, Ben and I will be starting the Appalachian Trail. It is our first attempt at a major thru-hike. We expect to finish. The reality is, only 1 in 4 do. Darn it all, I want us to be that 2 of 8.

 

We are both simultaneously excited and nervous. We aren’t new to backpacking, but we are new to long distance backpacking. You know, like 14 states long. We’re trying to be as best prepared as possible; we’ve read books, followed blogs, researched equipment, had practice hikes to test both our gear and bodies. We’ve watched the weight of items closely while balancing it with the comforts we know we’ll need for emotional support. We are about as ready as we are going to be.

 

There are those people that think we are crazy, the “HOKEY PETE!” people.  But most think it sounds amazing and some even say it’s an inspiration. I’ve never really been in a position where I noticed that my actions or decisions are inspiring people. It’s a weight of responsibility that I am glad to carry. In fact, selfishly, it in turn motivates me. I’ll be less likely to allow the bad days of the Appalachian Trail to get the better of me knowing that so many people are following our progress.

 

Will we have bad days? Undoubtedly. Will I write about them? You bet your sweet buns I will!  Because in truth there is freedom and life.

 

Eagerly, I await the “HOKEY PETE!” moments of the trail.  The moments where truth about myself, about us, about God or the world surprises me and become abundantly clear.

Whether you think we are crazy or not, thanks for tagging along.  It’s an honor to be on this journey with you my friends.

 

2 weeks.

 

HOKEY PETE!  The countdown begins.

 

-k