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Georgia to Maine – What?!
Is this a mid-life crisis?
What are you searching for?
Is everything all right?
These are just some of the questions I received when I told people I was taking a sabbatical to attempt a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. I’m 50 years old and have spent the last 30 working in Corporate America – it’s safe to say I know more people who have slept in a 5-star hotel than a tent in the backcountry. In general, though, everyone has been extremely supportive and excited for me!
My fascination with the AT began in September 1995, when I read a story in my local newspaper about two guys planning to spend ‘Half a Year on Foot’. They were lost in their life, and as a college student at the time, I probably was too – I could relate to the romanticization of a journey to find oneself. Today, my desire to thru-hike the AT has evolved, and has more to do with spending an extended period on the Trail. This provides so much enjoyment for me and is the home to my alternative personality. Make no mistake, I know this will not be easy, especially given my age, but as Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Nothing in the world is worth doing unless it means effort, pain, and difficulty.”
There is nothing more exhilarating than embarking on a backpacking trip – self-sufficiency, planning, adapting, and adjusting as needed. Backpacking breaks down the human species to its simplest form – survival. I am excited to experience all the Trail has to offer in the months ahead, but I am most looking forward to slowing down time, enjoying life’s simplicities, and living in kindness.
Kindness
The culture of the Trail is quite different from everyday life. People are kind, generous and helpful. This has been my experience all over the world, but none more so than on and around the AT. In today’s high-paced competitive landscape, the goal of thru-hiking the AT (NOBO) is a simple concept: Get to Maine. Each day, there is one objective, clearly defined. Unlike Corporate America, there is no competition amongst thru hikers to get ahead which leads to a culture of kindness. Additionally, the towns on and around the AT survive and thrive because of the Trail – resulting in an ecosystem of support and generosity. People volunteer and donate their time, food, rides and homes, just to help people get to Maine. The first time I experienced this was at Newfound Gap, on Easter Sunday in 2021, when I section hiked the Smokies. It was a ‘13 AT Alum who brought his entire family to provide some of the most delicious food and beverages to those headed to Maine. He said he does it every year on Easter, ever since his successful thru-hike. I was overwhelmed, and I can still cry thinking about it today. There is a certain intimacy amongst strangers that exists on the Trail, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
Speed of Life
I know when this journey ends, I will look back and think about how fast it went, but I am hopeful that I can enjoy the moment. Hiking from Georgia to Maine takes a lot of time, and I want to use it to reflect: Reflect on my life to date, those who are important to me, and how I want to spend the rest of it. I am looking forward to learning: Learning about myself and learning from others I meet along the way. I know that I am very fortunate to have this opportunity, and I am very thankful for it. Not everyone can take time for themselves, no matter how they want to spend it, let alone attempt a thru-hike of the AT. My window to do this is open and it may not last very long – it’s now or never!
Simplicity
Trail life provides an appreciation of the simple things, many of which I take for granted. Water, food, shelter, good weather! And then, when I get off trail, I REALLY appreciate the beds, laundry, showers, and bathrooms! I am a self-described, work-in-progress, minimalist; backpacking is the purest form of minimalism. You want it? You carry it!
I am looking forward to this journey, no matter how long it lasts. I am hopeful I can do this, but regardless of the outcome, I am better off for trying. I am excited to potentially see and experience all the places I have read about over the years: A Shake Down @ Mountain Crossings; Grayson Highlands; Virginia Triple Crown; The Whites to name a few…I am excited to make new friends and evolve as a person. I am blogging for the Trek to document and memorialize my once in a lifetime experience. I hope that others can benefit and achieve some enjoyment, like what I have obtained over the year’s doing the same.
Wish me luck…I’ll need it! 🤞
(Start date: March 15, 2025 – from The Amicalola Falls Visitor Center)
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Comments 10
What a wonderful read, Craig. I can tell you, I’ve definitely shed some tears at the kindness of strangers on trail. The community really cares about you. It moves you! Best of luck on your trek — coming up so soon!
Craig, good for you, taking this time away from your corporate life! Best wishes for a great start next week!
Good luck, Craig. Thanks for sharing your adventure!
Kick ass. Adventure of a lifetime
Congrats on your AT thru hike attempt. Get after it with a can do attitude. I did my thru hike in 2023, and started 3/11/23. Be prepared for some nasty weather. Don’t worry about your age, I was 71 1/2 when I did my hike. It’s as much mental as it is physical. Just keep your head screwed on right, and take good care of your feet! They’re your foundation. Give me a shout out if there’s anything I can do for you
You can do this!
Craig, I’m rooting for you all the way! I’m in Maine and will follow your travels. My son has hiked the AT twice, I feared greatly for him the first time as he had lost his Marine brother…his hike was a challenge to his grief. All he met on the trail- humanatarians with tender stories like his own. No place like it, the townfolk along the way are angels. I wish you much trail magic.
Excited to follow your journey! I know everyone says it, but it rings true… hike your own hike! You got this.
Prayers for you as you look forward to the beginning of your hike. Enjoy the beauty of your surroundings, the fun and fellowship with other hikers and the growth in yourself as you advance step by step. Good travels!
I’m so envious. I have thought often about this but can never find the time. Good luck! Have fun. Hike your own hike.