Gavin’s First Blog Post

I am really looking forward to going on the Appalachian Trail (AT) with my dad. The AT is a trail that leads from Georgia to Maine and is 2,200 miles. I am going on the AT because dad asked me to and it seemed like fun. I really like the outdoors and backpacking, so I decided that I wanted to do it. I am looking forward to strengthening my relationship with my dad. I think that being on a trail together for six months is the perfect way to do that.

Dad and I have been on several short hikes in the past few years. We have been to Grayson Highlands, South Mountains, Black Balsam Knob, and, most recently, to the Great Smoky Mountains. I thought that all of them were fun except the Black Balsam hike because we had to travel almost one mile down the steep side of Old Butt Knob. We were stepping and jumping from rock to rock while hoping not to fall on our own butts. Other than that they were all fun because I was bonding with my dad and strengthening our relationship. Some of the best times that I have had with my dad have been on the trail. These adventures include getting to hitchhike for the first time, as well as all the times we took the wrong trail by accident.

I am also excited about the social aspect of the trip. During thru-hiking season, the Appalachian Trail will be filled with people and I look forward to meeting these new friends and sharing stories. Spending time with other hikers could lead to establishing my tramily, or trail family, which is a group of hikers that travel together for an extended amount of time and bond by sharing fellowship and experiences.

While I’m hiking, I am most looking forward to seeing wild animals and amazing views. I’m thinking of starting a nature log so that I can keep track of the things that I’ve seen. Some of the most commonly seen animals along the trail are deer, snakes, bugs, moose, and bears! If I see venomous snakes, moose, or bears, I hope it is from a safe distance. I’ve heard there are some really incredible views on the trail. I am especially looking forward to Clingman’s Dome, which is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail. I also want to experience the spectacular views from the many balds along the TN/NC border. In VA there is a cliff called Mcafee Knob, which reminds many people of the Circle of Life scene in The Lion King. I am dreading climbing Mt. Washington because it is home to some of the worst weather in the world, but if the skies are clear, it will give one of the best views on the entire trail. Most of all, I am looking forward to summiting Katahdin, the highest point in Maine, because it marks the northern end of the trail.

I could also stand to strengthen my relationship with my dad. Dad and I don’t spend all that much time doing things together and I feel like this trip will give us a chance to bond. Together, we will need to hang our food bags, cook our meals and help each other over difficult stream crossings and other obstacles on the trail. Hiking for six months together should give us many opportunities to encourage and support one another.

I look forward to staying in shelters along the trail. I love the shelters for providing cover, for their graffiti, and for their log books. The shelters are usually covered in graffiti, and it’s really interesting to read what other people have written. Most shelters have a logbook which hikers sign when they pass through. A shelter log shows you who’s ahead of you. Many describe these logs as the “Facebook of the Appalachian Trail” because some people leave messages for other people in them.

These are all reasons I am looking forward to going on the trail with my dad. From the views, to the animals, and the many experiences we will have, I eagerly await each one. I am looking forward to our future endeavors. I love that we are going to get to spend so much time together and I’m looking forward to my future blog posts. I’m really excited about this trip and the time I will spend bonding with my dad. Thank you for taking time out of your day to read this entry. We really enjoy hearing your feedback. If you’re new to our site, please check out our other posts, and consider subscribing.