Remember that ad a few years ago where the Dad is dancing to “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”? The camera pulls back and the kids look really sad, because it’s a back-to-school sale ad.
Every March, I feel like that dad. Not because my kids are sad (they don’t have school for several years yet). But because it’s yet again Appalachian Trail thru-hiker season.
Last year I wrote a long winded, column titled just that, March- It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. In it I detailed how I became hopelessly obsessed with backpacking.
Last year was a pretty good year for backpacking. I got in 13 miles of the AT at the Delaware Water Gap…
Does this look like a good year? Of course it does.
Followed by 51 miles of the AT in Vermont and Massachusetts.
Vermont is awesome.
Thumbs up all around.
Massachusetts is great too.
However, Appalachian Trail wise (as opposed to birth of my second child-wise), the highlight of last year had to be Dr. Dave. I was just getting into blogs and discovered that, instead of waiting for hiker memoirs to come out, I could just just follow AT thru-hikers day-to-day via their blog. Awesome! I picked four to follow based upon the strict criteria that they posted nice pictures (words? who reads words?) . Two of my hikers dropped due to metal fatigue well south of Jersey. One really unfortunately hurt his knee and was forced off the trail in PA. Then there was Dr. Dave.
In addition to following his online adventures for months (complete with a daily picture), I was lucky enough to welcome him to the greatest state in the Union when he got here.
Hi Dr. Dave!
He was ridiculously nice and was happy to talk to us about his adventure. Best of all, by happy coincidence we met up again in Massachusetts at the top of Mt. Greylock.
Hi again Dr. Dave!
When Dr. Dave finished up his trek nearly 2,200 miles from where he started, I was thrilled for him. This was way better than reading Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker memoirs (not that I’ve stopped).
And since, in the past year, I have not received any bribes via this blog large enough to cover my expenses for the next six months, I will once again be adventuring vicariously through others. And I invite you to do the same.
– The AT Journey – Doug is already out on the trail braving the cold!
– One Dream – One Goal – 5 Million Steps – Kayla will be setting out within a week. She’s been prepping for two years.
– Pathology: the Study of a Path – Kurt will be taking off in mid-April.
– Preconcieved Notions – thorough writer, looking forward to what she thinks about the trail when she gets on in mid-April.
Looking forward to (other people’s) adventures the next six months!
In case you didn’t remember that ad:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DComGO8JYo]
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