I cannot begin to describe how jealous I am of Brandon's (quickly) upcoming adventure. My name is Spencer McKay aka "Warpzilla" and I hiked the AT in 2007 in honor of a fellow Eagle Scout. Brandon and I went to UNC-Charlotte together and I have been helping him plan and prepare (mentally and physically) as best I could. The Appalachian Trail has a very special place in my heart. I wish everyone had the ambition and desire to even attempt such an undertaking.
Brandon and I traveled down to Springer Mountain, Georgia, the Southern Terminus (Brandon's starting point) of the Appalachian Trail a couple of weeks ago to do a mock start of his journey. The thought was to get him prepared and familiar with his surroundings so that when his start day did come, he would be better prepared than you're average joe. I was very impressed with how Brandon was prepared for his journey. How his pack was packed. The gear that he had. Most importantly though, his attitude. According to the Appalchian Trail Conservancy's website. About 10% quit the trail within just the first 20 miles or 1% of the entire trail. About 50% make it halfway, Harpers Ferry, WV. While just under 30% of all hikers who set out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail complete it, on average.
I've met a lot of people that say they want to hike the AT someday, and maybe they will. But actually committing to it, and getting out there, is an entirely different story. Granted, some people may be in a more difficult time in their lives to devote 4-6 months of their lives to one specific thing. Especially when that thing means leaving a mortgage, family, and other "real world" obligations on hold for that period of time. There is no better time than now for Brandon to begin this hike. He's fulfilled his educational duties academically, but I think his education of life awaits him on the trail.
The trail teaches one all kinds of lessons. Most importantly, who you are. There is such a wide variety of emotions and situations that you can encounter within just one day of the trail then one could receive in a lifetime. Whether that be changing weather, physical ability, terrain, and an array of other unforeseen conditions. The trail humbles you, and in a good way. It can make you feel like an ant one minute and the tallest man on earth the next.
Perhaps Henry David Thoreau said it best;
"It were as well to be educated in the shadow of a mountain as in more classical shade. Some will remember, no doubt, not only that they went to college, but that they went to the mountain."
My best wishes to Brandon and his soon to be, journey of a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Spencer aka Warpzilla
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