Backpacks on and ready to go, the three of us faced the camera and my mother snapped some pictures. No, it was not the first day of school. We, my dad, my sister and myself, were about to embark on a four-day hike on the Appalachian kc anthony Trail. Four days? The words kept echoing in my mind. I was excited for the trip, but now reality was starting to hit me. I had been on camping overnights with the Cub Scouts, but never a trip like this. The Appalachian Trail runs from Maine to Georgia; we were going to hike the Maryland portion in its entirety - 36 miles!

Today, I am an Adventure Guide at Terrapin Adventures, where I guide backpacking tours frequently. I am a big hiker, and have hiked the Appalachian Trail many times and in various states. But, each time I remember my very first experience, the hike that spurred my interest in outdoor recreation, ten years old on a four-day 36 mile hiking trip...