When someone asks me about my summer plans, I respond with a bit of reluctance. More often than not, this is the ensuing dialogue:
Friend: "What are your summer plans?"
Jon: "Well, I'm planning to hike the Appalachian Trail."
F: "That sounds like fun. How long will that take?"
J: "About five months if all goes well and I stay injury free."
F: "Five months! Are you serious!? How far are you hiking?"
J: "Just over 2,000 miles, starting in Georgia and ending in Maine."
F: "You're crazy! Are you going by yourself?"
J: "At the moment, yes."
And after an assortment of follow-up comments -- usually uttered between surprised looks -- such as, "Are you worried about bears," "How are you going to feed yourself," and "Are you brining a gun," the same question seems to always follow: "Why on earth would you want to do such a thing?"
Hence, this page on my blog.
The reasons for why are numerous, and sometimes they change depending on the day. Ultimately, the desire to hike the Appalachian Trail has sprouted from a seed that was planted years ago. Growing up in south-central Pennsylvania, there were numerous occasions when I would find myself enjoying day hikes on the AT with family or friends. There was nothing particularly magical about those moments, but they did take root somewhere deep within me.
Certain experiences do stand out. I have a vague memory of hiking the trail near Pine Grove Furnace State Park. There, shortly after the trail breaks southeast away from the park, you find a sign that marks the (historical) halfway point of the trail. A much younger version of me remembers standing in front of that sign, reading the words, and letting them sink in: "1,069 miles to Georgia; 1,069 miles to Maine." Imagining that journey was a powerful thing, yet lay dormant for years. That is, until recently.
That sign, together with the many trips to Whiskey Springs and other local trails that found their way to and along the AT, collectively have become an idea bigger than the parts. Sometime years ago a seed was planted, and now, fifteen or so years later, it has become a dream that I find myself realizing.
I'm not hiking the trail because it's 2,181 miles long. I'm not hiking it because it runs from Georgia to Maine. Those facts play into this trail becoming a kind of epic adventure for me, but they are not the driving force. If I were to describe why I'm choosing to take over five million steps through the Appalachian mountains, it is because of the journey itself, not the destination. Sure, if I don't have to stop, this will be considered a significant accomplishment. But finishing is not the ultimate measure of success for me. Central to this hike is my excitement for the experience between Georgia and Maine: meeting new and interesting people, exploring creation, self-reflection, discovering God in new ways, learning about what I value, practicing commitment, developing patience, seeking vocational clarity ... the list could go on.
So, why am I hiking the AT? I hope to be able to tell you for sure once the walk is complete.
