The local forecast calls for mid 60's and sunny on our start day. Sandwiched between impending cold and the upcoming rain we should have a pretty good window to start our AT trek.
Only two days out and we're flooded with thoughts, emotions, excitement, wonder, and a touch of "oh shit". Final preparations are in full gear and what's readily apparent is this journey is a shared one. My wife and daughters are all thoroughly invested in this commitment. Without their gracious support and sacrifice, this opportunity wouldn't be possible. In addition to running the show in our absence, their lives are also flooded with the rising tide of emotions that engulf all of us, even Brendan.
An unexpected bonus I'm experiencing is the fact so many others are sharing in this Odyssey with us. We're bolstered by the people within our sphere who are offering heartfelt encouragement. Even from strangers as trail magic have been offered up from folks we just met. All of this without taking a single step on the trail.
At this moment, our world is flying by at Mach 4. In a number relatable in hours, for Brendan and me, it will drastically slow down. The wife and fiance’, however, will still be operating in high gear all the while picking up the slack of their "trail trash" significant other. A MONSTER thank you to them. A slightly smaller but equally gnarly monster thank you to everyone else standing in our corner including Joe Magennis, our blog support Dude for this adventure. Alright, let’s go!
