At the age of 51, I set out on my first backpacking adventure, hiking four weeks from Canada to Wisconsin on Minnesota’s beautiful Superior Hiking Trail. As a veteran homeschool mom, I was at a crossroad in my life. I was exhausted from being a caregiver to family members in medical crises in addition to guiding my son’s final years of homeschooling. Circumstances changed, my youngest child graduated, and suddenly I was free to choose what to do with the rest of my life…if only I could decide.
I felt a need to get away from the constant demands and distractions of my daily life and thought that a backpacking trip would be the perfect opportunity to reevaluate. I pictured hours spent strolling through beautiful landscapes while contemplating the deeper questions of life and communing with God as I mapped out the perfect plan for my future.
My actual experience was nothing like I imagined! Every rooty, rocky, muddy step of my journey required my full focus. I contemplated nothing but the next step, the next mile, the next campsite. Still, I found peace in that focus and gained confidence through doing hard things. I learned to truly appreciate simple things like clean laundry, flush toilets, and quality time with the people I love.
Needless to say, I didn’t finish my adventure with a grand life plan, but I did gain a new confidence and peace within myself. Since that first trip, I have hiked Pictured Rocks in Michigan, the Long Trail in Vermont, the Laugevegur Trail in Iceland, and several others in my home state of Ohio. If you find my story interesting, you can follow me on my biggest challenge yet — the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.
Additional facts about me:
I am married to an awesome Army veteran who is my number one supporter. We have 3 adult children. I volunteer regularly in my local church and community. I have earned a purple belt in Karate and continue to train. I follow a gluten-free, mostly vegan diet for my health, which I hope won’t be too difficult to maintain on this journey.
