4/23/2023- 

Hello all! Thank you for your kind words and support over the past few months. Just wanted to give a quick update on how trail life is going! 

By the time you read this we have completed over 450 miles of the Appalachian Trail and have climbed over 110,000 feet. (To put elevation in perspective, its equivalent to climbing up and down Mt. Everest over 4 times!). Chelsey and I are having the time of our lives. Things haven’t been super easy, we’ve had some freezing cold nights, wind storms, thunder storms, and intense heat. Everything aches some days and it’s hard to get out of our hammocks. 

But the good has outweighed the bad every time and we are so grateful to have the opportunity to be out here. Being out here has given me a deeper appreciation for the life we are given and meant to enjoy. Every morning I am thankful to be alive and out here, and every night I am thankful that my body has been able to complete its journey for the day. I am able to believe in my abilities both physically and mentally, and have gained a stronger sense of self in the process.

 Also it’s been crazy fun! I’ve laughed harder than I ever have out here, have had a new an adventure every day, and met so many wonderful people. We got our trail names around mile 80, so we are now known as FireBoot (me) and Smurfette (Chels). We our having the time of our lives on this trail, and a big part of it is because of everyone’s help.  Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement! Happy trails & Happy Hiking! - FireBoot

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Hi everyone! As most of you may know- or some may not- a few years ago my friend and I made the decision we wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail together once I graduated college. This 6-month trip will span almost 2200 miles and crosses fourteen states. I have been asked by many people what ways they could support me on this journey, and currently, I need help with some of my expenses. 

I appreciate every single person I have met on my journey over the past few years. I am so unbelievably grateful for the love and light and laughter I have been blessed with. If finishing the Trail is not in the cards for me then I understand, and the universe has a different plan. However, I would regret it if I did not explore every option that has presented itself. Thank you all for your continued support and love over the past few years. See you on the trail!

*****At the end of the hike, if any funds are left from this fundraiser, I do plan on donating them to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to help maintain this historic trail for years to come. If you would like to follow me on this trek, I will be documenting my travels on both Instagram and TikTok (@callahanhikes).