It’s been a long time since I cried as much as I did the days leading up to leaving for Georgia. I was blown away by a surprise party at work – my current and past (and some future) kids were there with families. I gave and received more hugs than I could possibly count. I sobbed and cackled through my “Good Nuck” video. It really hit me how nice it is to have a job I love so much that it hurts to leave it (even temporarily)!

The Adventure to the Adventure

Monday morning my partner and I lugged our selves and our stuff onto the Amtrak headed for New York City after a very tearful goodbye to my family. Our first leg was quiet, probably because we ended up in the quiet car.

I realized as we left Massachusetts and crossed into Rhode Island that I won’t be back in my home state until I walk myself back! On my own two feet!

Big thank you to my Uncle Jeff for meeting us at Penn Station and treating me to lunch (does this count as trail magic? Or at least train magic LOL). 

And then we were off to Georgia on the Cresent 19. I was excited to travel by train as a bonus adventure. It was certainly romanticized in my head but I also kept my expectations very, very low! My advice is to do just that if you chose to travel by train for a long distance. The food was microwaved, but yummy, and they have vegan options! The people were loud and got a little rowdy – complaining and taking very loud phone calls after midnight – but overall the majority were kind. It rained which was pretty on the windows but caused some delays. Overall, it was totally fine and I’m happy I added another new experience to my ever-growing list!

What if My Plan is to NOT Plan?

Now, planning is not my strong suit, which I’m sure will be a recurring theme as I bring y’all on this 6 month-ish adventure. Our tickets got us to Gainesville, GA because I saw that was closer to Amicalola Falls than Atlanta. However, it’s also no where near an REI so that will have to wait until I’m on trail. I also didn’t think to call ahead for a shuttle (I wanted to meet Ron of Ron’s Appalachian Trail Shuttle!!!!) so we called a Lyft. Thankfully, the kindest woman picked us up, brought me through a Starbucks, and chatted with us all the way… until I realized we also put in the wrong address! Seriously, my planning – or lack thereof – will surely be at least a point of entertainment over the coming months. 

We updated the address and Asami brought us into the mountains, shared stories of growing up in Asia surrounded by similar views, and safely left us at Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge! 

I felt so overwhelmed with gratitude, absolutely humbled, and overcome with emotions as I saw the view from the lodge. It’s a view I’ve seen in pictures, videos, movies, and dreams. And I’m actually here. I stood next to the 3-floors-tall map of the trail in awe. It’s happening. I’m walking the Appalachian Trail. 

So, next on the list is to rest, eat, register, walk the approach trail, and walk on! & on & on & on & on & on…

Thank you so much to Keira & Connor, my cousin Denise, Lucy, Camille & family, Audrey, my Martinezes, Satya & Arnav, Mackenzie & Maddox, the Strubles (Ellie you are so not a chicken!), Van, Dax, & Kara, and the DeVoes! And of course all the MAPsters, past and current who made me a video message and starred in a famous Kurt music video. I’m blown away by the support and am so incredibly grateful for all the words of love and kindness. I will see y’all soon – keep being you, because you rock!

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