Appalachian Trail, 1 Week Out
My beautiful new pack! A custom design by Virginia Foothill Designs inspired by the Phillies’ red pinstripe jerseys.
Prepping some rice and beans.
Pitched my tent in FDR Park to make sure it could handle another trip.
My AT thru-hike as the inaugural Appalachian Trail Conservancy Artist-In-Residence starts in approximately one week. Almost a year after I planted the seed for this wild idea, somehow, things came together to make it a reality. It feels like it took so long for all the details to be finalized with work, and to finally have a concept of my timeline. I only got word that my sabbatical was approved in mid-March. But luckily, this is the best-case scenario and will allow me to hike at a comfortable pace and not have to rush back to Philadelphia in time for the start of the semester. So I’m feeling very fortunate.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been buzzing with excitement and occupied with finalizing all the logistical details of getting started. For most of the spring semester, it felt like I had plenty of time, but as soon as I hit the one-month-out milestone, things really started to feel real. Now, there’s an overwhelming amount of tasks to be completed before my flight to Georgia next week. I’m right in the middle of final critiques right now, and I’ll need to get all my grading done shortly after. I’m also trying to finish a few things in the studio: a piece for an exhibition at the AT Damascus Trail Center, a batch of anodized earrings, a piece for a trade, and a final batch of cut coins for Stacey. I think I can get it all done. There’s a ton of cleaning to do, and I’m trying to make sure everything is arranged for the dogs. There’s also been a steady stream of packages arriving as I try to finalize my gear and get everything organized. Plus, I’m trying to spend time with my family, friends, and colleagues before I leave town for the next few months. As my start date approaches, there’s also some anxiety creeping in, but overwhelmingly, I feel excited.
A pile of projects on my bench in the studio.
A Tyler Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM group photo from our spring reception a few weeks ago.
SO MUCH BASEBALL! Taking every opportunity to go see the Phillies play before I leave.