Thru Hike of the Appalachian Trail

I was asked one time when was the first time I felt peace.  My answer came immediately to when I was 12 years old on a portage hike in the backwoods of Canada with my father and uncle.  We were on an island.  My father and uncle had fallen asleep.  The soft embers of the fire were fading.  I heard the sound of a whiporwill, saw millions of stars, and that spirit that I call "peace" was what my father had instilled in me right there.   
     Why hike the AT?  This question is very personal and cannot be fully answered.  It began with a commitment to do it.  Maybe leaving the familiar, maybe to challenge the appeal of self-reliance, maybe a spiritual pilgrimage, maybe leaving the onslaught of technology, maybe to de-evolutionize, maybe the refuge of the woods all contribute.  They are not the underlying drive.  My father hasn't been around for 25 years physically, but his spirit for what I'm trying to articulate is my driving force. 
     My mother joined my father in the spirit realm 6 months after his passing and her power of imagination and creativity will be my expression of love and help to others on the trail. 
     The hike may be brutal, and the most in-my-face experience of my life after years of unhealthy restlessness from society's programming. To move to a healthy restlessness and on-the-move exploration into the spirit my parents continue to impart to me is my horizon.
      I'll be turning 60 years old on the trail.  This is the time.  As a recovered heroin addict, I have dedicated my life to helping others.  Now, as the father of 4 children, 6 grandchildren, the power of this 6th sense I'm speaking of is with me and them. 
     Trail costs of $1.50 per mile for my solo hike add up to my desired goal of $3000.  Whether or not you are able to contribute financially, you are invited to join me on my blog as I go.  Feel free to contact me with any questions or answers.