I think it is wonderful how simply positive just the act planning a thru-hike is. My fiancee and I are planning a 2004 hike for our honeymoon and never for a second do we not expect to finish on top of Katadin. I think it is so great to be constantly filled with so much hope. Sure we are aware of the drop-out stats, and yes we are going to do our best to mentally prepare ourselves for the possibilities of failure, but even in those preparations we still, deep down, know we’re going to make it. We are getting ready for our own little Fear Factor episode without the $50,000 payoff if we make it. If you watch that show all those contestants at the beginning are absolutley convinced they are going to win. It think it’s great, although I hate to see the sore losers. Grace in defeat is somewhat of a virtue. We are planning a wedding and a hike at the same time and our life has been nothing but positive the past few months. We do come home every once in a while after a bad day at work, but then we pull out the Thru-Hikers workbook, or I help her pick out bridesmaids dresses and that bad day becomes a memory if that. I’ll admit looking at bridesmaids dresses isn’t the best time I’ve ever had, but I do enjoy the planning of a great future.
Just thought I’d share that with you all. Back to gear shopping!!! If only they made Down bridesmaids dresses.
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