Oh, go take a hike!
In 2013, I left my stable job and comfy home to fulfill a lifelong dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail. It was pretty much the best decision I have ever made! Not only did I complete the 2186 mile long hike, but I met a lot of great people and learned a lot about both myself and people in general.
Prior to thru-hiking, I viewed the world as a dangerous place; people were out get you and you'd better be always on your guard. I don't feel that way anymore. I encountered so many generous, thoughtful, kind people that went out of their way to do nice things for those they didn't even know. People who would leave water and snacks on the trail for tired hikers, drive out of their way (and stink up their cars) to give strangers rides to town, people who would pay for dinner without your knowledge. These people were known as "trail angels" and their kindness is called "trail magic".
In 2014, I started thinking about the idea of trail magic and how it needn't be confined to hikers on the trail. I started looking for opportunities to perform trail magic wherever and whenever I could. And then in November 2014, I got the opportunity to participate in a grand act of trail magic: I did a volunteer vacation with Devoted2Children, a charitable organization started by a former high school classmate of mine. It was pretty much the best decision I ever made! I fell in love with the kids in the home, the country of Haiti, and the philosophy and projects of Devoted2Children.
Now, in 2015, I'm looking to combine both of these wonderful experiences. As I embark on my second thru hike -- the Pacific Crest Trail -- I am raising both money and awareness for Devoted2Children and their fantastic projects. (I think it'll be pretty much the best decision I ever made!)
Take some time to look around my site -- you can read about my AT thru hike, learn about Devoted 2 Children and donate, and find out where I am in my current journey. (Or just laugh at my mis-adventures. My ineptitude knows no boundaries!) It's great to have you here!!
Prior to thru-hiking, I viewed the world as a dangerous place; people were out get you and you'd better be always on your guard. I don't feel that way anymore. I encountered so many generous, thoughtful, kind people that went out of their way to do nice things for those they didn't even know. People who would leave water and snacks on the trail for tired hikers, drive out of their way (and stink up their cars) to give strangers rides to town, people who would pay for dinner without your knowledge. These people were known as "trail angels" and their kindness is called "trail magic".
In 2014, I started thinking about the idea of trail magic and how it needn't be confined to hikers on the trail. I started looking for opportunities to perform trail magic wherever and whenever I could. And then in November 2014, I got the opportunity to participate in a grand act of trail magic: I did a volunteer vacation with Devoted2Children, a charitable organization started by a former high school classmate of mine. It was pretty much the best decision I ever made! I fell in love with the kids in the home, the country of Haiti, and the philosophy and projects of Devoted2Children.
Now, in 2015, I'm looking to combine both of these wonderful experiences. As I embark on my second thru hike -- the Pacific Crest Trail -- I am raising both money and awareness for Devoted2Children and their fantastic projects. (I think it'll be pretty much the best decision I ever made!)
Take some time to look around my site -- you can read about my AT thru hike, learn about Devoted 2 Children and donate, and find out where I am in my current journey. (Or just laugh at my mis-adventures. My ineptitude knows no boundaries!) It's great to have you here!!
