Nature

So I'm beginning to realize that planning to be outside for a solid four months makes it seem like I'm a nature freak. I'm not an ardent environmentalist. I take obscenely long showers wasting drinkable water that would be more appreciated anywhere else on the planet (or by me while I‘m hiking); I prefer plastic grocery bags, they're easier to carry than paper and if they get dirty I can just toss them out, unlike a canvass tote; compact fluorescent bulbs piss me off because they aren't as bright right away; I could go on. I don't dislike nature though. I was a boy scout for a couple years. I've been camping occasionally, I think its all very fun, but my career plans don't involve turning into Bear Grylls (or working at a coffee shop for the rest of my days, despite how much I enjoy it).

I want to clarify my motives. I'm walking the Appalachian Trail because it gives me something different and interesting to do for four months. I get bored. I find my life to be monotonous right now. I'll get to test my mettle against all sorts of situations.

Unless I go to the gym I'm never worn out. I'll go to bed at night not feeling tired mentally or physically, I go to sleep because I'm bored. I'm excited to walk ten or twenty miles and be worn out and get in really good shape.

I want to get away from my normal distractions like the internet and TV and videogames. I want to get back to reading and writing more, I mean, I won't have much else to do for leisure.

I think it will be a new experience in self reliance. I like being responsible for myself. I'll buy and cook all my food; make all the necessary plans; do all of my laundry; and make any and all decisions regarding my well being. I think that’s fun. I also liked that game The Sims; you didn't have to do laundry in the game.

I want to meet a bunch of nut-jobs who decided to walk for 2000 miles.

P.S. I was thinking that at some point I probably won't see people for a day or more. I think that’s unprecedented in my life. I can't remember a day when I didn't see anyone else. I thought that thought was interesting.