Zach's NOBO Journey!

Hi. My name is Zach Lucas, I'm 24 years old, and I'm starting this blog to document my northbound journey along the Appalachian Trail during the Spring/Summer of 2014. Katahdin, here I come!

Background: Or, About Me

Hiking the AT is something that I've always wanted to do, but never thought I would. Well, now's about as good a time as any to get it done.

I've always had a love for camping and hiking. Even when I was growing up, being outside was a big part of my development. As a family, we'd often take long weekends on Possum Kingdom Lake, or spend days at a time in the State Park system, as our vacation. I have my wonderful mother to thank for that. It was always cheap, easy, and fun! Of course, as is wont to happen in the great outdoors, not everything was perfect. I have a fond early memories which involve our old, heavy family canvas tent, a rainstorm, and winding up in a hotel room! Despite this temporary setback, I insisted that we had my 10th birthday in a cabin on the shores of Lake Texoma. I lost my baby sister on a "kids only" hiking tip around the lake, and I've since learned the importance of trail safety and sticking together. Over the next few years, I had the great privilege of attending Camp Highlands for Boys. Our daily curriculum at camp included activities such as water skiing, sailing, sporting, archery, skin diving, and ropes. Every day was an adventure, but my most treasured time was always that spent during the course of "Expedition" training. It was during "Expedition" time that I first became familiar with the true fundamentals of outdoorsmanship (Thanks Councilor Eric!), and  I had the chance to use and improve these skills on my first "real" canoe trip as a "Midget" in Cabin 16. My first backpacking trip, in the Porcupine Mountains, came the next summer, and I've been in love ever since!

In more recent events, I graduated from Trinity University in May of 2012 (B.S. Chinese Studies, Minor in Psychology), and I've spent the last two years doing absolutely nothing of importance. To be somewhat more honest, I'm living with my parents and working the same job I had in high school (cue the world's smallest violin). Now, it's not nearly as bad as it sounds; in truth, I enjoy what I do. I' d like to think I'm a little bit respected in my workplace, I'm very good at it, and I make a decent living to boot (although, I have no clue where all that money's been going!). I've spent a lot of time wondering what my next step should be, and I've come to the realization that there's absolutely no rush. I'm in an absolutely perfect situation for getting out and seeing a little bit of the world. Allons-y!

Why?

Why hike the AT? Why go through the incredible amounts of mental and physical strain? Why not? I've already stated that it's something which I've always dreamed of doing, and I feel like that's reason enough in and of itself. In more concrete terms, I feel like the experience of overcoming these challenges will enrich me as a man, as a person, and as a citizen of the United States. I mean, what's not to like about utilizing our Nation's wonderful public land, experiencing an enjoying the great outdoors, discovering the camaraderie which develops between hikers, and attaining the feeling of accomplishment that comes with attempting such a task? Sign me up!

The Plan. I've got one, right? 

My plan, simply put, is to hoof it for 2,185 miles from Springer Mountain, GE to Katahdin, ME. Easy enough. Seeing as how I should probably eat and sleep in a shelter, I'll be carrying a pack full of goodies. A heavy pack, mind you. 

My plan is to start at the Springer Mountain trailhead and move on from there. For the first couple of weeks, I'm keeping to a very modest goal of 8 miles per day. During the peak of my hike, I'm hoping to have several 20+ mile days, but we all have to start somewhere, right? Three weeks in, I'll have to hop off the trail (somewhere between Gatlinburg and Hot Springs) for a week or so to witness my wonderful older sister graduate from Seminary and my splendid little sister graduate from my own Alma Matter. After that, it's back on the trail! I'm hoping for a late September finish.

Desired Outcome

Aside from weary feet, sore knees, and a fabulous collection of blisters, what do I hope to gain from spending six months on the trail? I'm honestly not sure. That's not really why I''m doing it. I certainly have hopes, but I have no expectations. At the very least, I'll be in phenomenal shape by the time it's all over!

Hang on. What about Game of Thrones? 

I know, I know. Season 4 of Game of Thrones starts right around the time I begin my journey. (SPOILERS) Little King Shithead gets his comeuppance. If I can wait five years for a book, I can wait six months to watch the show. You green children of Summer know nothing of patience. Winter is Coming.