It was impossible for me to visualize hiking to Georgia but I received some advice early-on from Poet of breaking this whole thing into mental “weekend” trips. Breaking up the 2200 mile goal into “okay, I just need to make it to the next town” was how I had to tackle this.
This worked for a while but then came the worst state of all: Pennsylvania. Not only does Pennsylvania suck ass with its rocky terrain, sparse views, and frequent rain but it also comes right when your trail-blues are kicking in.
I sincerely thought about quitting. Nothing really was that bad, I was just tired of living in my filth, having mice eat my food, and feeling like I was still 1300 miles from accomplishing my goal.
Odie and Pretty Feet must have felt similarly, because that morning we stopped just two miles in and made a list of “things that are fun”. Later that day we stopped at mile 900 and had a dance party complete with snickers, and created our own fun. Even as we got further down the trail, my tramily stopped at each 100 miles to celebrate what we’d accomplished and remind ourselves that each mile we hike is worth celebrating, not just the last one.
Thanks to Odie and PF for the metaphorical leash they dragged me through Pennsylvania with and for their pursuit of the FKT (Funnest Known Time).