PIT to ATL – Lessons from the Plane

Simplicity

It was wild that the first task I had when I arrived at the airport was to get rid of all my belongings. My pack—my entire life for the duration of my thru-hike—was now out of my hands and out of my control. Everything that I needed to make my hike happen was at the mercy of a white tag reading PIT to ATL. I was left with only my ditty bag, filled with medicines, electronics, and all of my other valuables (mostly just my ID). Even though all of the important pieces of gear that I needed were out of my hands and out of my control, everything felt simple. All I had to carry through the airport was a bag smaller than most purses. I just had to get myself on the plane. And that is what I did. A thru-hike is a simple adventure—it’s just walking—and this was the start of that adventure. Just walking to the plane.

Goodbyes

After I had to say goodbye to my pack and all my important gear, the next goodbye was even more difficult— saying goodbye to my family and girlfriend. I had to repeatedly remind myself before I left that these are not goodbyes forever, just for now. But knowing that I am leaving the people that I care about for 5 months will never be easy. But today it had to be done.

Advice

As I walked through the airport, I kept an important piece of advice in mind that my grandma had given me before I left. After frequently reminding me “no one is forcing you to make this trip… you can stop whenever you want… don’t push yourself too far and be safe.” The night before I departed, she reminded me, “you WANT to be out there doing this, so go out and enjoy yourself.” As I walked through the airport, I knew that regardless of all of the anxiety of the trip, I want to be doing this.

The airport was a scary, lonely, and new experience. But I did it. Now as I fly south, I can’t be more excited to start walking north.