I started dreaming about hiking the 2,181 mile Appalachian Trail when I was 9 years old. My 5th grade class took a day to hike one short section of the Delaware Water Gap, a part of the AT,  and I've thought about it ever since. So, when my friend Miranda asked me to hike with her I figured there's no better time than now. The only constraint I have is money.  I have enough to make it for the first 500 miles of the trail, after that I need help.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy estimates that it takes "$1.75-$2.70 per mile for a reasonably frugal (although not uncomfortable) thru-hike." They say to allow yourself "$595 to $985 per month, including transportation to trailheads." The AT takes an average of 6 months to complete with an average of 12 miles of hiking a day (including any rest days). 

I am extremely motivated to do this and any money shared with me will be greatly appreciated. Money will be used mostly for food - a thru-hiker needs to eat an average of 3500 calories a day to maintain their body weight. Money will also go towards replacement gear. Mainly hiking boots,  a hiker is lucky if they get more than 500 miles out of a pair of hiking boots or shoes. Other expenses include laundry, showers, transportation and an occasional night stay in town.

Miranda and I will be hiking the 8 mile approach trail to Springer Mountain Sunday March 24th. Our minimal goal is to make it to Damascus Virginia - just short of 500 miles on the trail - by May 16th. Hopefully we can make it 240 miles farther to the James River Foot Bridge, but we will see how far we can go. So this is the point I will be needing help with the monetary aspect of the trail. I cannot express how thankful I would be to anyone willing to help me from here.

This is something I have always wanted to do. It is also something I need to do in my life right now. Being outside has always had a calming and centering effect on my mind and my spirit. I turned 30 this past year and do not feel very comfortable or positive in my stagnant life. I have become overwhelmingly restless and truly believe any time on this hike will help me to recenter my mind and spirit so I can move forward with positivity in my life.

I would never be able to share how much gratitude would be deserved to anyone helping me complete this journey. I only have words to share at this point and all I can say is thank you, thank you so much.




Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.
-Theodor Roethke