My AT Thru-Hike, One year later

[dropcap]An[/dropcap] entire year has passed since I stood on top of Mount Katahdin in Maine surrounded by friends, celebrating the end of our 2,000 mile journey. Since that day, countless twists of fate have brought me on a new journey that I feel is far from over. I would say that I've had copious amounts of luck, but as Andrew likes to quote:

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
― Seneca

I am highly fortunate to have hiked with a close friend that lives nearby. We routinely get together and talk about the trail and the memories, and for a time, the struggles of re-integrating back into society. I also have an amazing husband who was immensely supportive of my hike and has been a pillar of love and understanding.

Kyle, Andrew and me

Coming home, I had to make some important decisions. Primarily, whether or not to return to my old job at a place that I enjoyed and where I had made innumerable friends, but also where I felt unappreciated and underpaid. Newly found confidence allowed me to set aside what was comfortable and seek out something more unique.

For a few months, all I did was write. With encouragement from friends and family, I became more confident in my writing abilities and began freelance writing. My hard work eventually led me to a full-time job for a hiking based company called Gaia GPS that centers around people who love to hike and where I feel appreciated.

During my time freelancing, I was also able to begin writing for AppalachianTrials.com where I have posted articles about some of the mental aspects of hiking and am now writing gear reviews.

One of the highlights of this year was being interviewed by Parade Magazine about my experience on the Appalachian Trail. The author stumbled upon my blog articles on Appalachiantrials.com.

Through all of the excitement, I also moved my blog from a wordpress.com site to Tentside.com, my very own website. 

This past year has had its ups and downs just like any other year, but in the end it was decisively positive. I owe it all to the lessons I learned on the Appalachian Trail and the friends and family who helped me through it.

I also want to say thanks to all of my hiker buddies and take this post to remember an amazing adventure. My hiker family kept me going when things got hard and together, we can now share memories and stories of one of our greatest adventures yet.