Going AWOL on the Appalachian Trail

The beginning of the New Year is time for dreaming about what to do with the year ahead.  What would you do if you could quit your job tomorrow and go do whatever you wanted?  Software engineer David Miller knew his answer to that question:  hike the entire Appalachian Trail.  So in 2003 he did.  He left his job, hugged his family, and set out for an almost 5 month journey that would take him over 2,172 miles from Georgia to Maine with just a backpack of supplies and his own two feet.  His stunning travelogue, AWOL on the Appalachian Trail is his account of that journey--from the people he met along the way and pushing through mental and physical exhaustion to the beautiful scenery and little-known lore of the trail.

As we kick off 2011, we asked Miller to give us his thoughts on things to think about before setting off to pursue a personal adventure. Here's what he recommended we consider:

Spousal commitment

Upon hearing of my plan to hike alone for five months on the Appalachian Trail, one woman said to me, “Good thing you’re not married to me!”  She was right.  I am fortunate to have a wife who is both supportive and independent. She and our children had adventures of their own and visited me at four places along the trail.   If your partner at home is reluctant or indifferent about your plans, then try harder to make it work or don’t leave.

Expectations

A long journey can provide you with time for contemplation, simplicity and restorative time.  Appreciate it for what it is worth, and don’t expect it to solve all problems.  If you are broke when you leave, you'll be more broke when you return.  If you have issues, they won't solve themselves in your absence.

Don’t plan; prepare

There’s a difference between rigid planning and preparation.  Planning can stifle spontaneity, and can overshadow the fact that you’re ability to adapt is more important than adhering to a schedule.   Preparation means having matters at home in order so they are less distracting, having yourself in shape so you can enjoy your journey, and being better aware of the alternatives so you are more likely to explore them.

Allow for an escape from your escape

You may have a vision of how your adventure will unfold and how your life will change.  You don’t need to let everyone else know about it.  If you are reserved about what you reveal, acquaintances will be more impressed when you succeed, and you won’t feel pressured to stick with a plan that is not what you hoped it would be.  Don’t burn bridges.  If possible, get a leave of absence or use up vacation time before quitting your job.

Give your dreams a chance

Our tendency is to tilt our reasoning to justify continuing to do what we currently do.  That’s why we are where we are.  In my book I write that “We should have a bias toward doing things that we don’t normally do to keep loose the moorings of society.”  This is not a case for recklessness; it is a reminder to give alternate paths a fair hearing.  Part of the adventure is finding a way to make it happen.

Whether you're an avid hiker, armchair traveler, or a dreamer looking for inspiration to just take the first step, download a sample or a copy of AWOL on the Appalachian Trail  today (just $3.99 through January 31, 2011).