Last Father's day my son, Paul, gave me a backpack for walking the Appalachian Trail. I have always wanted to do something crazy and hiking the trail to celebrate my retirement would fit the bill. Since it is less than a year away, I decided I better get ready. I can now check off a backpack on my list of needed equipment. Other equipment that I will need for the trip includes a pack cover, tent, sleeping bag, mattresses, stove, water purification equipment, knife, flashlight, boots, rope, lantern, hiking sticks, and special clothing, I have been reading a lot of books on how to prepare for the journey describing all the equipment that I will need and the mental and physical preparation necessary to make the journey of 2,170 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Katahdin Mountain in Maine. Most thru-hikers start early in March from Georgia and must deal with the extremely cold weather and snow but later experience intense heat and lots of rain. Some have reported walking for days in the rain and never really drying out. Along the way most will have to deal with blisters, wounds, sprains, strains, burns, hypothermia, heat exhaustion, possible snake bites, animal bites, insect bites/stings, and lightning to name a few problems. So a good first aid kit would be in order to add to the above list of equipment. Also, there are concerns for personal safety. Most recommend not hiking alone since there are no "deputy dogs" to maintain law and order in the woods. Using common sense along the way is a good "rule of thumb". Another additional problem along the trail is that many of the shelters are infested with mice and you are never alone. Many hikers decide to always sleep in their tent and bypass the shelters. Also, food becomes a priority. Even after buying all of the equipment, you have to buy enough food to last you about six months. Since no one can carry that much, it is necessary to mail drop these supplies along the trail. Anyone who decides to make this trip must invest a lot of bucks and preparation to make it happen.

Even though this may sound like the last journey that anyone would want to take, there are many testimonies from thru-hikers on how it changed their lives. I was taking to my daughter-in-law who told me of a friend who made the trip on her honey moon. She said it was an experience that she could not explain and even now she still misses the trail. There are many that describe a type of "trail magic" that keeps them going regardless of the hardships and at the same time provides an experience they can not forget.

So with that all of that in mind, I thought some physical training would be in order since I would be carrying a 40 to 50 pound pack up and down mountains for long periods of time. I started out by walking around the block and doing a few push-ups. The walking was not hard but the next morning my back was killing me. I took some ibuprofen which seemed to help. Then I thought to myself, all I need to do is some stretching before walking. Again, after a trip around the block my back continued to hurt. I finally came to realize that there was a disconnect between what I wanted to do and what I can physically accomplish at my age. I guess that is one of the most difficult things to come to terms with as I grow older. It could result in discouragement or it could allow me to reevaluate my abilities and be satisfied with what I can accomplish. So there has to be something other than a walk in the woods to celebrate my retirement. The only way I will walk the Appalachian Trail with a forty pound pack will be in my dreams. I can continue to walk around the block though, if I make frequent trips to the chiropractor.

Learn more about this author, Marc Blumer.
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