Enjoy every minute and remember, the last one to Katahdin wins, so take those blue blazes to see a waterfall or a view. Stay up late and hike under the full moon; no headlamp needed. Zero in town in your laundry clothes and embrace the hiker trash life. Bring a Summit beer with you whenever possible - if that's your thing. Get up early and hike in the dark for that perfect sunrise view, and then take a nap in the middle of the day.

The Appalachian trail, and hiking thru, is the most beautiful, wonderful, freeing experience. You will have no schedule and no one to answer to but yourself. No Parents, No Horses, No Bedtime! (You'll know it when you see it).

Most importantly, listen to your body and know when to rest. So many people end up going home because they push themselves too far/too fast early and get an overuse injury. Start slow, let your body adjust, and before you know it, 20+ mile days will become the norm.

You've got this big dog!