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  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.  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 everyone 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. 🙂

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