Preparing

Dear world,
Welcome to my blog where I will be updating my experiences as I thru hike the Appalachian Trail! I have been planing and preparing for this adventure for the past year and have been dreaming of doing it for a few years prior to that.
I am hiking the trail with my good friend Marly, who I met working in environmental education. Only after about a week of knowing her she informed me that she was going to hike the AT with me. At first I was concerned because I had no idea who this chick was, but as it turned out we became fast friends and she is my perfect hiking buddy!
Our almost plan is to leave at the very end of February, but that might just end up being March 1st. We are less concerned with all the little details of hiking the trail and more focused and excited about just getting out there. We know we are going to learn more once we are out there which is better than trying to figure out every possibility now. Obviously there is some planning involved and there has been many trips to the outdoors store already.
The main things I am still working to figure out is food and what soap to buy!
I have done a lot of reading and a lot of research, so I am ready to focus on preparing my body and my mind now which feels great!
I am concerned about money (although my dad keeps reminding me not to worry too much about it), but am hoping that maybe some supportive family members and friends might send me some treats along the way (hint hint)!
Why am I hiking the trail? Well for starters what better time in my life to go out and have an amazing life changing experience? Exactly! NO other time. I have been doing temporary jobs and do not have one right now, so no job to be concerned of. I am not in school nor am I planning to go back to school anytime soon. I love the wilderness and live to be outside. AND if that is not enough, my granddad section hiked many parts of the AT back in the 70's and passed away December 29th 2012. I have some of his ashes and am going to be spreading them along the trail.
Well for my first official blog I hope you look forward to reading about my hike! Marly and I are super excited and have been counting down the days. We cant decide if the date is coming too fast or too slow! Aahhhhhhhh! Approximately 6 weeks and a day or 2 until we are in GA headed up Springer Mountain!

Love to all,
Chelsea