Attended a presentation about the AT trail that Erin "Wired" Saver gave a few evenings ago at the REI store in Tigard, Oregon. It was great fun (even educational, too) to hear Erin recall her AT hike last summer, a trip she obviously found to be full of trials, tribulations, and new experiences on a "different" kind of trail for her.
It was an excellent presentation. Would go again 'cuz so much to absorb.
Was impressed (and amazed!) to learn that Erin not only soloed the PCT in 2011, the CDT in 2013, and the AT in 2014 for a Triple Crown, but that she did all of 'em after taking up backpacking for the first time ever in 2010.
Her burning up those trails must have contributed to that "Wired" moniker.
Highly recommended for anyone, backpacker or not. Really enjoyable.
Here's a link to Erin's website showing the log she kept of her AT trip, with links to gear lists and other info for all three of her long hikes —
http://www.walkingwithwired.com/p/at-2014.html
ADDENDUM: Just finished reading the "Appalachian Trail Closing Thoughts" by Erin and her friend Jett Cat (who Erin met on the AT) at Erin's website, and they both captured well the reasons each had for the hike, and special "meanings" their individual AT experience provided.
See, http://www.walkingwithwired.com/2014/08/initial-appalachian-trail-closing.html
If you don't have time to jump to the above link and read the whole thing, here as just a sample is Erin's closing paragraph to her "Closing Thoughts" —
"This trail may not have had the deep wilderness and solitude I've come to love, but it has had an impact on me that will forever influence my future paths. Trust and reliance on others has never been strong suit of mine, so hiking solo has always been my comfortable and safe place. Through the Appalachian Trail, I've been reminded how shared experiences and connecting with others (other than through the interwebs) can enhance an experience and make it so much more. I will always be thankful to the Appalachian Trail for reminding me of that and for bringing people like Jett Cat and the Kallins into my life. It was a much needed lesson that I needed to learn for my future adventures. The PCT taught me that I don't want to have any "what ifs" lingering in life. The CDT taught me that I was stronger than I ever thought mentally and physically. The AT taught me that sharing experiences with others can make them even better than you imagined they could be."
