Greetings :)

Updates from the Mountains

Episode 1: I haven’t even started yet. What am I (and you) getting into?

Hi, everyone! Thanks for joining my little newsletter!

Often, when I’ve told people about my plan to hike the AT, they say they want updates along the way. After some outside input, I decided that an email newsletter would be the best way for me to both record my experience and share with those interested in following along. I’ll do my best to keep it interesting. But this is not for clout or attention or to impress anyone, so don’t expect some heroic or dramatic stories or anything about me trying to flex on how far I can go in one day or whatever. This hike is personal and the emails are so friends and family who care about me can know how I’m doing (read: Mom and Dad, I’m still alive and doing well; Emmy, Anta, and Jane, this will make some great circle time stories).

blah blah boring… Not a great start.

ANYWHOMST….. I’m very excited to be a feral mountain woman. A forest nymph. A dirtbag. If you joined this newsletter, l’m sure you’re at least somewhat aware of what kind of nonsense I might share. There’s no structure to this; no regularity; no rhyme or reason. Just me sharing stories when I can. Maybe some stream-of-consciousness. Maybe some pictures. Maybe some ecology facts. Will I throw Eitan off a cliff? We’ll see. Will I a earn a 4 or 5 star poop? Stay tuned (explanation will come when appropriate). How many days in a row can I eat oatmeal for breakfast without wanting to cry? Hopefully more than three. Will a black bear eat all my food when I forget to put in in a bear box? I sure hope not. Should I adopt a black bear and bring it home with me? Totally.

As much as I have tried to prepare for this trek, I honestly have no idea what to expect. This will truly be an adventure. Rain, wind, mud, rocks, long days, cold nights, etc. - I want to learn to embrace it all.

With all that said, Eitan and I will be setting off on March 17th from Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia. From there, it’s only about 2,200 miles until Baxter State Park in Maine! And I will be listening to Maine by Noah Kahan that entire time. Just kidding. (or am I?) Stay tuned for updates from the mountains! Live love the eastern deciduous forest and the Appalachian Trail! Thanks for following along :)

P.S. If you’re feeling crazy and wanna fund some snacks along the way or a drink in town, my Venmo is @Lb_Monteith