the rumours are true…

Some people are talkin, I don’t know what they are sayin, but the truth is, yes, for the next 5-6 months I’ll be walkin in the woods. I’m headed to the Appalachian Trail. Hiking from north to south, Maine to Georgia. That makes me a “Southbounder” or “SOBO” in trail speak. I hope to leave on my hike the first week of June and be finished by ย the beginning of November.

The other rumour I would like to clear up is… Yes, I am walking alone. No one else is “crazy” enough to come with me I guess. I’ve asked around, told a few friends, but no one will come with me. So I guess it’s just me, my pack and harmonica, walkin’ along for the next 6 months. ย Well, I guess that’s not entirely true. I have people who are coming to hike with me for a few sections. My mom is flying across the ocean to hike with me (well maybe that’s not true, she’s coming for Dan’s graduation, and then making a side trip out to Maine to see me for 2 days). But my best friend Laura (crazy girl) is coming to meet me in July or August and will hike with me for a week! That’s definitely going to be a highlight of my hike. I’m already looking forward to it and I haven’t even left yet.

I would like to make an open invitation to everyoneย to come meet me somewhere between Maine and Georgia and hike for as long or as little as you’d like! Just imagine all the fun we’ll have walking up and down mountains and sleeping with the bears. Think about it!!

Although I am technically hiking on my own, I won’t be alone. I will be hiking with many other SOBO’s. I plan to start on the first week the trail head opens in Maine along with lots of other crazies. There is a whole culture that develops along the trail, and I’ve heard it said many times that you end up making a “trail family” as you get to know fellow hikers. So no need to worry about me, I’ll meet my new trail mom and pops soon and make sure they take good care of me. ๐Ÿ™‚

So please join me on the trail, whatever way you can. Keep me in your prayers and I will try to keep you up to date with this crazy blog. If you know me, you know that I’m not a techy girl (and that I even consider blogging to be techy), but I’ll try my best. I’m really looking forward to this hike.

See you on the trail!

Jules

10 thoughts on “the rumours are true…

  1. You know… when I was working at Chapters, we had a book called: “How to …. (poop) in the woods”. OH, and also: “The Roadkill Cookbook”… I’m sure we had plenty more books with strange titles, but hey, maybe you can write one when you get back?

    Have fun! (don’t forget Laura S’s bear mace) and remember nature’s toilet paper….(Lamb’s Ear I think the plant is called)…
    We will most certainly be keeping you in prayer!!

  2. Yes… very tempting offer and I am thinking how I can fit more hiking into my summer… your walk sounds very brave and I would consider myself quite lucky to have you as trail family… I hope Americans feel the same way!

    IF the mountains ever get too big, just remember that faith the size of a mustard seed can move them!

  3. Wow cousin! It’s experiences like these that make ones life rich. You are awesome. If I didn’t have a wee baby then I would definitely come join you. I still might try to find a way. This might be a stupid question but does this mean you’d been travelling through Asheville? One of my fave spots on earth?

    Much love, luck, and best wishes to you.

    xoxoxxo

  4. Hey Julie, I am sure you’re gonna have a whole lot of fun out there. Remember to give us weekly updates of where you are so that we can follow your adventure through the mountains. If you want care packages, you will be sure to tell us where you are. Kick off is the beginning of June? I can’t believe it’s only a couple of weeks away.

  5. This is going to be an amazing experience for you Jules. I know you’ve been looking forward to this for a while now. I’m excited to read about your adventures, so make sure you post as many of them as possible. You’re going to do great on this hike. And will probably be the coolest looking SOBO out there ๐Ÿ˜‰ I can’t wait to join you for a snapshot of this great adventure! Will be praying for ya every step of the way.

  6. Hi Julie, that sounds great! We looking forward to read about all your experiences during the hike! Just one thing to consider: one piece of toilet paper is enough!
    Be blessed! Your Germans

  7. This is great, Jules! Can’t wait to hear your true tales and even made-up tales of adventure! ๐Ÿ™‚ Have fun!

  8. I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this site. I am hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts by you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own website now ๐Ÿ˜‰

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