TheBurg News - Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/548742
18 | The Burg | 08.15 T hree days later, my legs still ached, my left foot still hurt, and my gear still laid around the house. My niece, Stacia, and I continued to groan as we walked down the steps and chuckled at the whole experience— our two days as newbies on the Appalachian Trail. e journey began with research, preparation and some anxiety. e research started a few years earlier when I became enamored with the trail and started reading first-hand accounts of thru-hikers, the term given to those who endeavor to hike the entire 2,189 miles from Georgia to Maine. ese books included the popular "A Walk in e Woods" by Bill Bryson and the ambiguous "Footpath My Ass" by Terry "Bluebird" Croteau, a 40-something woman who decided to take the journey solo. e preparation began as soon as my niece, who planned on visiting the East Coast from Colorado, offered the opportunity to hike together. We considered doing a weeklong trek, but good sense and lack of time made us consider a shorter, three- day trip. We decided to use this as a test run. I started training by walking in my newly purchased hiking boots, with a backpack weighed down by canned goods. Just a few pounds at first, with weekly additions of weight. My friend's son, an eagle scout, lent me a proper backpack so that I could carry the increased weight without hurting my back. As I trudged up the hills in my suburban neighborhood, my sweaty, transient-like appearance got me more than a few sideways glances. It also triggered neighborly conversations. Many folks offered encouragement and advice when I spoke of the trip. Ernie, 86 years old, an avid A.T. hiker from my church, was most helpful. "What if it rains, Ernie? What will we do?" I asked. His response: "You'll get wet and keep on walking!" However, as my niece arrived and we packed our gear, my anxiety peaked. What if something happened to me on the trail? After much fretting, thinking and some praying, I had an epiphany. Anxiety makes opportunities feel like threats, and this was a wonderful opportunity to spend time with my niece, spend time in the woods, and challenge myself. I wouldn't miss it for the world. two Days on the a.t. A newbie tells of her first adventure on America's most famous hiking trail. By SuSAN ryDer