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By JUDY ANASTASIA
When I told my husband Joe I wanted to hike the Appalachian
Trail, he said, “OK, what year?” My plan, however,
was for a four-year section hike, and I was close. We finished
in five summers.
We started on April 6, 1997, in the rain at Springer Mountain
in Georgia. Leaving Neels Gap on the fourth day, I was sure
I would be joining the “quitters,” but I said
nothing to Joe. Every bone and muscle in my body ached. The
body, however, is a wonderful thing — especially with
a healthy dose of ibuprofen — and that morning, and
many mornings thereafter, my body was miraculously rejuvenated
after the first half hour.
1998 brought my son's wedding in June and only 424 miles
of trail. ’Ninety-nine brought foot problems which halted
backpacking after a week and 98 miles. We managed to do another
164 miles that year by doing day hikes and short sections
with lighter packs. In 2000, we got back on track with about
400 miles.
This year's hike from Franconia North to Kathadin began at
the end of July (after black fly season) and it was, in fact,
bug-free. Being “up north,” we used two vehicles
and once again did many consecutive day hikes and short backpacking
sections with lighter packs.
The hiking season was mostly rain-free with beautiful weather,
but it was also incredibly hot and humid. There were days
when we drank almost two gallons of water each. Shelters and
tent sites sometimes had dried-up water sources necessitating
additional miles over additional peaks.
This was my strongest and favorite year on the trail —
hard, but beautiful. Saddleback was incredible, probably my
favorite day on the trail. The “Hundred-Mile Wilderness”
indescribable. Although every section is breath-taking in
its own way (especially in good weather), my favorite hiking
is still in New England with the varied terrain and tree-shaded
corridors.
So, after 2161 miles, you may ask me, Why hike the A. T.?
The reasons vary with every hiker. For me, focusing on the
moment — food, water and shelter — was mentally
rejuvenating. Even though at times it was a grueling physical
experience, in the end I felt incredibly good about myself
and proud of the accomplishment. But don’t take my word
for it, try a section and see for yourself!
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