John's 2014 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike
Donation protected
My name is John Winter, I am a senior in college studying
business management, and come April of 2014, I will set off on one of the most
amazing adventures that can ever be experienced: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian
Trail.
For those of you who don't know, the Appalachian Trail is a 2,180 mile journey through the most pristine areas on the eastern coast of the United States. It passes through 14 states, traverses more than 200 mountain summits, and will relentlessly batter and bruise anyone who dares to attempt it.
I will begin my journey April 1st, 2014 atop Springer Mountain in Georgia, and continue with only one goal in mind: Finish this so called insurmountable quest on the summit of Katahdin. My plan is to complete all 2,180 miles in just 145 days, equaling to about 15 miles per day. This means that no matter what I am faced with (rain, snow, hail, 100 degree days, black flies, bears, copperheads, rattlesnakes, etc.) I must remain focused and continue hiking to Maine. Being in the best shape of my life, and regularly training on the rugged terrain of the White Mountains, I am confident that I will succeed in my endeavors.
For me, hiking has had such a significant impact on my life not only physically, but mentally as well. Four months ago, I was feeling lost in a world that seemed to be lost as well, living an unhealthy, mundane lifestyle, and on top of it all, I was lacking the confidence and motivation that truly sets ones soul free. It wasn't until I was on my first summit that I came to know myself and what I was capable of. Setting a goal, giving it your heart, soul, blood, sweat, and tears in the process, and opening up to the beauty that is bestowed upon us in nature will do a heart a damn bit of good.
Unfortunately, hiking the Appalachian Trail and exploring all its wonders isn't free by any means. Already, I have about two thousand dollars invested in gear alone, and that is without stepping foot on the trail. Also, I am saving up for the transportation costs of getting myself from Maine to Georgia. All of this aside, I am still lacking funds to pay my way along the trail. This is where you can help!
Hiking the entire AT costs about a dollar a mile, covering expenses such as food resupplies, occasional lodging, and maybe a few hot meals in town along the way. My goal is to raise 2,180 dollars before the end of March, and I'm asking you for help!
Just remember, even the smallest donations add up! This is an experience of a lifetime, and the benefits of such are as extensive as they are significant.
Thank you all so much! Your blessings and contributions are truly valued, and I hope to one day share my stories with you. Without the support of my family, friends, and the hiking community that I have grown so fondly of, my aspirations of Thru-Hiking would only be a pipe dream.
**I will be making a Facebook account solely for the purposes of updating you all on my progress, and will share the link on this site once it is made! I figured that you all would want to see exactly where and how your donations are being used, and also share the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
For those of you who don't know, the Appalachian Trail is a 2,180 mile journey through the most pristine areas on the eastern coast of the United States. It passes through 14 states, traverses more than 200 mountain summits, and will relentlessly batter and bruise anyone who dares to attempt it.
I will begin my journey April 1st, 2014 atop Springer Mountain in Georgia, and continue with only one goal in mind: Finish this so called insurmountable quest on the summit of Katahdin. My plan is to complete all 2,180 miles in just 145 days, equaling to about 15 miles per day. This means that no matter what I am faced with (rain, snow, hail, 100 degree days, black flies, bears, copperheads, rattlesnakes, etc.) I must remain focused and continue hiking to Maine. Being in the best shape of my life, and regularly training on the rugged terrain of the White Mountains, I am confident that I will succeed in my endeavors.
For me, hiking has had such a significant impact on my life not only physically, but mentally as well. Four months ago, I was feeling lost in a world that seemed to be lost as well, living an unhealthy, mundane lifestyle, and on top of it all, I was lacking the confidence and motivation that truly sets ones soul free. It wasn't until I was on my first summit that I came to know myself and what I was capable of. Setting a goal, giving it your heart, soul, blood, sweat, and tears in the process, and opening up to the beauty that is bestowed upon us in nature will do a heart a damn bit of good.
Unfortunately, hiking the Appalachian Trail and exploring all its wonders isn't free by any means. Already, I have about two thousand dollars invested in gear alone, and that is without stepping foot on the trail. Also, I am saving up for the transportation costs of getting myself from Maine to Georgia. All of this aside, I am still lacking funds to pay my way along the trail. This is where you can help!
Hiking the entire AT costs about a dollar a mile, covering expenses such as food resupplies, occasional lodging, and maybe a few hot meals in town along the way. My goal is to raise 2,180 dollars before the end of March, and I'm asking you for help!
Just remember, even the smallest donations add up! This is an experience of a lifetime, and the benefits of such are as extensive as they are significant.
Thank you all so much! Your blessings and contributions are truly valued, and I hope to one day share my stories with you. Without the support of my family, friends, and the hiking community that I have grown so fondly of, my aspirations of Thru-Hiking would only be a pipe dream.
**I will be making a Facebook account solely for the purposes of updating you all on my progress, and will share the link on this site once it is made! I figured that you all would want to see exactly where and how your donations are being used, and also share the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
Organizer
John Winter
Organizer
Kingfield, ME
