Here we go!

We will be leaving in 5 days! Can't believe it is that close! Where has the time gone?? The last 4 months have consisted of work, work, work and getting ready for this wild adventure. We have saved and saved, bought gear, made mail drop lists, researched the trail, applied for all necessary permits, Chris sold his beloved jeep (I'm in the process of figuring out what to do with mine), applied for short-term insurance, gave resignations to our jobs and the hardest part...trying to convince all of our friends and family (esp. my family) that we have not completely lost our minds. The truth of the matter is - If we are going to do this, this is the right time. It feels right. This is what we want. Chris has hiked the entire AT. Me, I have only endured one night of backpacking in the dead-cold of winter on a very snowy, 10 degree night in Groseclose, VA, with the disappointment of a torn down shelter when we made it to our destination (not to mention coke spilled on our tent and 1 million coyotes woke us up, very close by). Long story. But after that night, Chris laughingly said, "It doesn't get much worse than this." I'm confident that there will be times similar to this. Maybe worse. Who the heck knows? We can't control Mother Nature. We do know that we have changed our entire lives around for this adventure. No matter what happens, we have already learned a lot from this experience before we even depart. We have the most amazing families and the best friends anyone can ever ask for. Open-mind is ready. Body in shape. The love is strong. We are ready and can't wait to get out there!