The Dreaded Post!

My run at the elusive AT thru hike came to an end today. I stepped off the trail at Newfound Gap after a great 12 mile hike and am now in Knoxville, Tennessee on my way back home.

No pity, no derision. This choice came as a result of the exact reason I stepped foot on the trail a month and 208 miles ago. Introspection and meditation. In nature I found everything I wanted. I carried everything I needed to live. I proved myself a solid backpacker, a strong hiker and found so much happiness. But the whole time I was missing something and that made me feel hollow throughout every day.

I never realized how important my family was to me. My wife, my daughters, my mom, my dog and my cats… they complete me. No matter how many miles I walked in peace, it was all nothing without them near me.

There is nothing negative behind my decision to stop walking. There was no injury, no illness, no mental breakdown. Each day I get stronger than the day before. I was hiking better than I ever have. It was just time for me to end my through hike attempt.

I will go back and continue section hiking the AT. I love backpacking, I love the AT, but I choose not to be away from family for so long. The trade off is not worth the pleasure. Family and love must come first.

Peace. Love. Hiking. – Elfmeister