The Next Step

Statisticly1 out of 4 people who set out to thru hike the AT actually make it. 75% of people drop out. So why do so many people quit? Why do so many long to do such a hike, but cannot follow through with it?

When I tell people my plan to thru hike the AT, the first response I get 9 out of 10 times is “I have always wanted to hike the AT, but…” For those who have always wanted to go on a long hike there was something stopping them. Many people have never found the right time to pursue this dream due to their careers; starting a family; finishing school, etc. Even those lucky people who get an opportunity to do such a hike still cannot complete it. The main reason that people drop out is not because they did not have the proper gear or were not physically ready; it is that they were not ready for the emotional struggle when faced with the tremendous challenges that the AT requires. Many people, when they have been out in the rain and cold for days and are starving, just cannot continue. This is understandable.  So how do I prepare myself for such trying circumstances to make it the entire way?

As the date of my trip edges closer, I am finding new light and concerns arising in my process. At first it was all about getting the gear. I spent hours researching to find the best deals, the best products, and the best prices. Marly and I are proud to say that almost 100% of our gear has not been bought at full price. I did buy my tent full price, but it was cheaper than most out there. We are practically all ready with our packs. It is down to the little things like should we bring binoculars for birding and how many pairs of socks should we take.

As we move past the initial stress of having everything we need, it is time to focus on preparing ourselves mentally and physically. I have spent many hours looking up information online about the trail and I came across a video for this book called Appalachian Trials, written by a young guy who hiked the AT and after finishing discovered that there is nothing out there to help prepare people mentally for this adventure. So he made it his next goal to write such a book. I immediately found it on amazon and read it within 3 days (which for me is really fast!). Once I finished it I then sent it to Marly insisting that she read it as well. This book was incredibly helpful in explaining to its readers exactly what kinds of hardships you will go through emotionally and how to process them and move closer to accomplishing your goal.

Although much of the guidance and advice he gave was for the individual hikers to achieve, part of it talked about having the right support. Now it is pretty obvious that I have the support of my family and friends, but there are very different ways of showing this support. The author of the book Appalachian Trials refers to the first month as the Honeymoon stage. Where everything is so exciting that even when things are rough you can push through and not get too down. It is later on in the adventure where things start to get harder. So now in preparing mentally for the trail I feel that I could really use some help from friends and family by sending me encouragement not just at the beginning, but throughout the entire 5 months.

My family and some very close family friends came up with some brilliant ideas of how to support Chelsea and Marly along their hike. TEAM CHELSEA AND MARLY or TEAM CHARLY! This team initiative will help us get not just on the trail, but to the top of Mt. Katahdin in Maine. It is sending us your favorite passage, quote, or encouraging words in a letter. Send us a great book for us to read along the way or perhaps a favorite song for us to sing while we walk. It is helping our parents send us care packages or maybe baking some cookies to send us. It is helping us purchase our second and possibly third pair of hiking shoes. It is donating meals to us either by actual food or money for that food (about $12 a day). It is scooping us off the side of the road smelly and dirty and giving us a hot shower and meal. 

By being a part of TEAM CHARLY, you will see and read about our hike week to week through this blog and through our many many photos (Marly especially loves to take pictures!) We believe in ourselves and believe that we can make it, but a little help along the way can go a long way. Knowing that there are people out there really supporting us has so much to do with us finishing the trail.

Once we have made it to the top we and made it safely back home, I will be sending out a special gifts to everyone who has helped us along the way. This might take a bit of time while I start working again and make some money again!

It has been a year now that Marly and I met and decided we would hike the AT together. We have been saving and preparing for this trip since then. I have been setting aside at least half, if not more, of every paycheck to my AT trip.  Even with all that I saved, it is barely enough. I spent much of my saved money on gear (and if you have ever looked into hiking gear before you know that it is not cheap.) The rest I am saving for food and I am rationing it out for the 5-6 months I will be in the woods.  However, this doesn't give me enough for hostels, the occasional hotel, hot meals, more gear, a beer now and then, or extra food.

I hope you find it in your heart to help us out in whatever way you feel like you can. We will be so thankful for anything that you can give.

With love to all

Team Charly!