Less Than a Week Out - Final Preparations

Updates from the Mountains

Episode #3: Final Countdown!

I’m super calm and things are going well!

Okay, well maybe I’m panicking a little bit…
Final preparations are in full swing! I’m back in Chesapeake with less than a week before I leave for Georgia, and I’ve been busy.

There’s a lot I was considering saying in this email, but instead, I decided to try to make it short(ish). In this essay I will….
1) Briefly list what I’m doing for my preparations
2) Overly-simplify how I’m feeling
3) Conclude with a list of things I’m going to miss

What am I doing, you may ask?

Permethrin treating my clothes; cleaning, patching, and re-waterproofing my tent; washing and prepping my clothes; putting together food drop boxes; listening to Maggie Rogers; dehydrating beans, hummus, and jelly; portioning out coffee and creamer; putting together first aid and toiletry kits; binge reading; doing yoga, running, and working out; making spreadsheets and checklists; repeatedly checking the weather at Amicalola Falls; aaaaand writing this email.

“Oh, wow, so cool. But I really only care about your gear.” Understandable. I could list everything but that’s boring, so here’s a picture (not including the clothes I’ll be wearing):

How am I feeling?
AAAAaahhhhhHHhh, in a panicking, nervous way. There are many reasons. But as I said- keeping it short.

Also,
AAAAaaahhhHHHhh, in a “I’m super excited and filled with anticipation” way.
I wouldn't say I feel completely ready, but it’s definitely starting to feel more real. As I get everything put together, my thru-hike slowly seems less surreal. But I still can’t believe it’s happening! and so soon!

It’s true: I cannot wait to spend my time outside and attempt to conquer one (maybe 2) of my top bucket-list items (#1 is thru-hike the AT. #2 is see a moose. I think I can knock out both at once.), but there will of course be a lot of things I’ll miss. Here’s a non-exhaustive list:

• my friends and family (obviously, and quite a bit)

• climbing

• reading books

• eggies. I freaking love having good eggs and toast for breakfast.

• good coffee

• research/field season!!

• that one oversized Kavu fleece I basically live in

• my favorite artists going on tour (except Hozier. I am literally working around the concert because I MUST go.)

• climbing

• fresh veggies

• curling up in a blanket

• clean hair

• idk probably temperature-controlled rooms

• etc.

YAY! If you read this far, congrats and thank you. For all your hard work, you’ve earned another song request (you’re welcome): Damage Gets Done by Hozier and Brandi Carlile

Okee bye! Georgia soon!!