With Much Gratitude...

​An early vision of the AT proposed by Benton MacKaye to the Appalachian Trail Conference in Washington March 1925. Courtesy of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

In January of 2023, I submitted a proposal to my school's administration on how I would utilize my time if I was awarded the "Riepe Family Sabbatical"; an award given once a year to one faculty member at my school. The Riepe Family Sabbatical was established in February 1999 by Mr. and Mrs. James S. Riepe to reward consistent excellence in teaching and to promote the continuing educational development of the faculty. The fund allows one faculty member per year a semester sabbatical at full pay plus a stipend for travel and related expenses. I have been planning and dreaming of this adventure for decades, since I first stepped foot in the Appalachian Mountains, breathed in that fresh mountain air, and heard that there was this hiking trail that would prove to be one of the ultimate tests in hiking. My proposal plan: to complete a thru hike on the Appalachian Trail. A grueling yet fulfilling 2,200 mile, 5-7 month journey starting in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia and ending at Mt. Katahdin in Maine.

Before I really begin this amazing journey, I need to express my sincere appreciation for The Gilman School and the Riepe family for providing me this opportunity to accomplish something that I have only dreamed of doing. The generosity of the Riepe family heart warming and selfless. I also need to thank and appreciate the support from home. Without my wife and kids to support me and push me to do this, the dream of completing a thru hike would end as soon as I awoke in the morning. Kristen supported my idea, proof read my proposal a couple of times, and helped me to submit it on time. I also had the support of other friends and family reading, proofing, and helping me to edit my proposal, all of them giving me new perspectives and points to think about when I was writing. And of course there is continuing support of friends and family, leaving a wife and 2 growing boys behind (11 years and 7 years old) behind for 6 months is going to be difficult, but the love and support for me, my wife, and my 2 boys over this process as been overwhelming and very appreciated.

So, we have now landed here. At the ripe old age of 39 and here I am writing my first ever blog post on a blog that will not only document my 6 month long journey on the Appalachian Trail, but become an outlet for all my outdoor endeavors (there are many) and hopefully a guide for others to learn something and aid them in whatever their outdoor pursuits may be. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.