It begins.

I have a confession:

I started dreaming about my next adventure on the climb down from Katahdin.  

Yes…  I am hopelessly addicted.

I’m addicted to fresh air, falling asleep under the stars, and getting miles on my feet. More than anything, I am addicted to the constantly changing horizon.

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It’s a beautiful addiction.

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Less than a week after completing my thru-hike, I attended the ALDHA gathering in Pennsylvania.   All weekend, I was approached by people who wanted to congratulate me on my thru-hike and welcome me to the family.

And they almost always asked: “Now what?”

Ugh! … the dreaded question!  I cringed and gave some vague answers.  But, secretly, I was already planning my next hike.  I had a copy of the Florida Trail Guide hidden in my bag:

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It’s not a secret anymore.

 The Florida Trail –  January 2014 – My next adventure.

 

 

The Florida Trail is the complete opposite of the Appalachian Trail.  About 5-10 hikers complete a thru-hike of the Florida Trail each year, compared to 600+ on the Appalachian Trail.  The Florida Trail has more road-walking, more alligators, fewer people, and no mountains.

But, for a girl who loves sunshine, adventure, and a pack on her shoulders, it will be paradise.

I don’t want to be sixty years old, driving down a highway in an RV, rushing to see the world before my time runs out.  Why not take life for everything it has to offer… now?  Tomorrow is never guaranteed.  Fill your life with photographs, memories, and experiences before it’s too late.  Push the boundaries.

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I was told that long-distance hiking was distracting me from the real world.

How do you explain……?  

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It is the real world.

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My New Katahdin:  Northern Terminus, Florida National Scenic Trail:

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Thank You for all your support!

Things will be a little quiet here.  I’m flying overseas to visit family and then spending some time on the east coast.