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Did I Drop You On Your Head?
This is my mom’s favorite phrase to say when I share with people that I’m going to hike 2200 miles for the fun of it. In reality, hiking has been on the periphery for quite some time.
Inspiration
My oldest son, Adam, introduced me to the idea of hiking the Appalachian Trail. I’m not sure I had ever heard about the trail until he expressed interest in 2016/2017. I bought my first AWOL guide in 2018, and did my first backcountry camping trip with my son and husband in October of 2018. That trip helped me solidify my desire to retire at the end of 2019 and plan a hike!
Camping? In a Tent? Are You Kidding Me?
While I have always enjoyed BEING outside and going on day hikes, my family will tell you camping has not always been something I enjoyed; we went on NUMEROUS Cub Scout camping trips, and I was known to leave the tent and sleep in the car. I suppose age and retirement have given me a different perspective on hiking and camping. I no longer worry about how slow I am or what I look like…much. And sleeping in my tent with a comfy pad and sleeping bag? Glorious! Now, I’m more focused on being in nature and enjoying the challenge.
Check out our first tent -– can you imagine the stares we would get setting that tent up on the AT? Mwahaha
Full Time RV Life
My husband and I are full time RVers. That means we sold most everything, bought an RV, and hit the road in 2021. We have travelled all over the country and day hiked sections of the CDT, PCT, and the AT. While traveling through Virginia in June of 2022, we happened upon an ALDHA information tent. They were out doing trail magic and I was able to talk to a female thru hiker who was about my age. I texted my sister-in-law, Kim, that day and asked if she would hike the trail with me -– she didn’t even hesitate to say LET’S DO IT!! We’ve been planning this 2025 hike ever since.
Dreamers, Day Hikers, Section Hikers, Thru Hikers
We spent the rest of 2022 dreaming. 2023 was spent researching, purchasing gear, and planning our one unsuccessful section hike. Last year, 2024, was spent planning and hiking three successful section and thru hike experiences. We also attended 3 hiking festivals: Flip-Flop Festival in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, Trail Days in Damascus, Virginia, and Pinhoti Fest in Sylacauga, Alabama. Kim has gotten a taste of RV life in these travels and is ready to take on the Northeast as we RV our way up and down the Appalachian Trail. We hope you’ll enjoy the stories of our successes and failures with our shakedown hikes and will follow along on our Appalachian Trail Adventure.
You can also follow us on Instagram @chasingthere_rv
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Comments 6
Hi, Lisa! Thanks for the great intro. Where are you starting your flip flop?
We’re not sure yet. Either Reed’s or Rockfish Gap heading North first. Hope we get to meet!
And, for the record, I DID NOT drop her on her head!! I’m blaming her Father for her craziness!! 🤪
Hey y’all! I wish you the best of everything as you embark on this adventure of a lifetime! Gonna be great to follow along with my Yankee buddies! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! It will definitely be an adventure!!
Mwahahaha — there’s a little crazy from both sides : )