Might as well....

Some of you know me...some of you don't... 

I'm Jacky (nuff said!  )

Seriously though, I live near Bristol, I've just celebrated my 5th wedding anniversary, and my husband and I are about to embark on the "hike from hell" at the end of February.  We will be hiking the Appalachian Trail  (that's 2,183 miles give or take).  It will probably take us 6-8 months.

After that my husband is coming back to his job and I will be starting yoga teacher training in the Iyengar method.  I am an avid yoga practitioner and have been for nearly 4 years.

My husband is Welsh, as are my two step sons (aged 9 & 11).

So anyway - that's me in a nutshell...and really I ain't as bad as some may have heard! 

I'm impressed at you doing the Appalacian Trail. Before I leave the US I was considering doing the through hike from Georgia to Maine,
but as I researched it I decided that it was too long in both time and distance for me to do it on my own. Instead I've decided to cycle
from Seattle to Boston as my final goodbye to America. Its a bit easier that the trai, 3500 milles on a bike vs 2200 on foot, and I like
the ability to stay in motels most nights. It should take 2 months. I'm going to do a "credit card tour" where you carry minimal stuff on the bike and stay in motels along the way. So I'll get to have a shower each night. The thing that got to me about the Trail was that for long distances you really are a long way from shops and places to stay and most nights are spent in a tent or a pretty spartan cabin on the trail. At 43 I'm going to choose my challenges with a few comforts attached. Good luck with your adventuer!

a shower  each night?? does that happen in the uk?? 

welcome to all!!

The thing that got to me about the Trail was that for long distances you really are a long way from shops and places to stay and most nights are spent in a tent or a pretty spartan cabin on the trail.

That is EXACTLY why I can't wait to go...lately I have been wishing we could go NOW...middle of nowhere...no rush hour, no traffic, no backstabbing, no gossip, no hassles, only enough chocolate that you can carry <grin>, no worries....I am looking forward to it...as far as showers...I hope to get one a week at least!

My husband and I are each packing our own tents as well...we will stay in some of the shelters <spartan cabins> but if there are loads of people we will want to go off on our own.  There are some real kooks that hike the AT (us included to some degree) and if we want to be alone - we have that option.

Oh and my own tent!!!  I love my husband, but when you are out hiking for a while your own tent is like the Ritz Carlton!!  Plus I reckon the bears will go after him first...he pongs more and is taller so more of a tasty meal....<evil grin>

Good Luck on your bike ride!  That sounds awesome!

Jacky, I'm assuming you've read Bill Bryson's book on the Trail? Sounds like quite an adventure! 

Jacky, I'm assuming you've read Bill Bryson's book on the Trail? Sounds like quite an adventure! 

Yeah it was that damned book that got me into this mess!!  Soon after we got married my FIL returned the book to my husband...he'd borrowed it...I started reading it and when I was through I said "Wow that would be cool..." and the rest is history....or my doom...depends how it works out! 

Of course we are going to finish - not leave after 500 miles to "promote our books" 

Hello Jacky!

I'm so glad to see you posting here. 

Do you know that my brother in law would truly be green with envy about your Appalachian plans?  He and my (older, but of course, sister), are avid hikers.  They go out west every year.  If he had it his way, they'd take a year off, after Libby, their DGR (dear golden retriever) dies, God forbid, to hike the Appalachian trail. 

From what my BIL has told me, I am envious as well.  You deserve this time away.  Go for it girl!

Love, Jennifer

Hey nice to see you jenfen!!

Tell your BIL he can come along with me...I am still trying to recruit someone to carry my pack!