After what seems an incredibly long time, my journey towards the Appalachian Trail has finally begun. Having spent a great weekend with friends in Jo'burg, I'm now sitting in OR Tambo waiting for my flight.

Reaching this point already seems an adventure. I have given away or sold (almost) all my possessions, extracted myself from any responsibilities at work, and said goodbye to friends and family.

As for my expectations of the coming months in the wilderness and far-away, they are surprisingly lightweight. I hope to meet great people and see beautiful places. I hope to find new depths of self-confidence and reliance. I hope to learn who I am when unencumbered by deadlines and responsibilities and expectations. But mostly I hope to let this journey be whatever it will, and just experience it.

Armed with a wonderfully small backpack and my now-only pair of shoes, I feel a wonderful blend of nerves, excitement and lightness. Giving in to wanderlust is a heady experience :-)