In 2013, I was volunteering at a CSA and met someone who had completed a thru-hike of the AT. At that time, I put it on my bucket list and went back to teach high school that August.

In 2018, I stayed in Gatlinburg, TN in the camper for a writer's retreat while Hubby attended Arrowmont School for the Arts and Crafts. Instead of writing, the mountains called and I answered each day with my backpack, water, a hiking staff, a notebook and pen, my phone, and snacks.

We returned in 2019, but this time I hiked while Hubby sat in dialysis.

I have dreamed of a thru-hike and in 2018 set 2023 for that adventure. Whether I will be able to get away and complete the hike is still unknown, but I have begun to work on my health with the hike in mind.