South…
My first real experience on the AT took place July 12, 2012. I had yet to become an ultra-runner, matter of fact I barely knew what ultra running was. As my cousin and I came off the summit of Mount Katahdin in Baxter state park we were exhausted due to our lack of preparation for the hike up the Knife Edge Trail. As we scrabbled our way down through 35 mph winds a group of about 15 rangers were making their way to the summit. For What? To witness the completion of the fastest time. As we continued our journey back to the car, we discussed what we thought the fastest time for climbing Mount Katahdin might be and then I really never thought much of it again once we exited the park. Until…
Three weeks later I was standing in line at Walmart. Magazines were still and item of purchase in the checkout lines in 2012. Sitting in the display was a picture of a man sitting next to the infamous Appalachian Trial Northern Terminus sign. I thought to myself hey I’ve been there and picked up the magazine. Scott Jurek, that’s who was on the cover. Scott Jurek had broken the speed record for the entire Appalachian trail. 2200 and I missed the finish.
I began researching the Appalachian Trail and to my surprise normal people were completing the entire trek. Even people that were younger and much older than me. Thirteen years ago, I knew I wanted to Thru-hike. I grew up in a small town where running down the street was still foreign to people because it was not football. So, every time I brought up the AT for most people it was, why would you do that. For years I thought about making the journey and finally pulled the trigger in 2024.
The majority of the hikers on the AT hike Northbound, about 3000 plus a year and then around 200-300 hike South. For some reason I always envisioned myself walking South but could not figure out why. Yes, I normally do things the unconventional way, but there was more meaning to why I needed to go South and I knew it would work out on the trail.
Looking back at my interactions with day hiked on my AT journey one of the most commonly asked question was, why did you go south? My response was, I don’t know I just have always envisioned it this way. A lot of people hike south because they are hiking home or because they want to avoid the crowds.
Near the end of my journey I spent seven days stressed hiking through Hurricane Helene, followed by my longest day on trail of 63 miles with 18,000 feet of gain (21 Hours). As I entered Georgia, I finally had hit a point of emotional exhaustion. For me a lot of the best lessons in life have been blessed to me in moments where I have completely emptied the fuel tank and am vulnerable.
2164.6 miles into the AT walk I was approaching my final climb of the journey, blood mountain, and I was overcome with my answer for why South. My entire trip had been supported by my brother. Any supplies I needed, he found and got to me. Anytime I needed to talk to someone, he answered the phone. Any time I didn’t want to walk anymore he would know and in his monotone direct voice he would say, “Well I got to work, you just keep walking, and get rest.” Not the most inspiring words of encouragement but coming from someone that is legally blind and had open heart surgery four times, I couldn’t let him down or take for granted this opportunity. No everyone gets the opportunity to thru-hike the AT.
It took me 13 years and 2164.6 miles to realize the reason I was walking south was, I was walking home. Where my rock, my brother resides, will always be where I call home.
- Joe Jude