Update 1: Big Bang Beginning

Gear is packed, food for three weeks is identified, medication is added in backpack, permethrin is applied on clothes for repelling bugs, Anjali and Deepa did Indian owalani (doing luminaries for best wishes), Anjali also gave me sweet yogurt for safe return with success, auspicious Indian coconut braking ceremony at the trail entrance has been done, I bowed to Mother Nature, so many of you conveyed your blessings from sooooo many of you, IT IS TIME TO GO! First day completed with 5.6 miles, Second day with 11.2 miles. One day at a time!

I am very grateful to Leaky Boots for joining me for first 8 crucial days on the trail. (Refer to my blog “Tramily” at www.dadhionthetrail.com for reference to Leaky Boots.)

Our first three days (April 16-18) are called slack packing days. We walk from point A to point B, then Tejas/Anjali pick us up and bring us back to the hotel. That is possible here in Shenendoah National Park because of the parallel road called Skyline Drive. Our backpacking starts on Monday.

First day was tough but surprisingly second day was nice. Fatigue is slowly setting in, which will not go away for 7 months.

CategoriesAT

69 Replies to “Update 1: Big Bang Beginning”

  1. Kiti kiti inspiring . Way to go Nitin dada . Anjali you are such a huge pillar for dada and such an amazing inspiration yourself 🙏🙏🙏

    1. Way to go Dadhi!!! Man that cover photo with you bowing down to Mother Nature really got me! 🙏🙏
      Great start to the incredible journey that lays ahead. Can’t wait to read all the stories and tales. Best of luck and stay safe!! 👍👍👍

    2. नितीन काका….. आगे बढो👍🙂 Stay safe and healthy🙏 Anjalitai & Tejas 👏👏

  2. Congratulations on starting the epic trip, Nitin. Great to see Tejas and Anjali too.

    Looking forward to all your updates.

  3. बाप्पा मोरया…. प्रवासाची सुंदर सुरुवात.

    Mixture of Traditions with Modern equipment …. All the best Dadhi.

  4. Wonderful! Nitin, all the best to you. Anjali, साष्टांग नमस्कार! Tejas, Aarti, a big wow to you… and to all who are supporting this venture.
    Looking forward to exciting updates. Have Fun, Nitin 😊

  5. All the best, Nitin.
    Our prayers are with you.
    You are such an inspiration for all of us.
    Take care!

  6. The woods are lovely dark and deep
    You have promises to keep ….

    Congrats for good start
    Sure you will keep it up

  7. Wow great start Nitin Anjali tuzyshivay he shankach nahi. Nitin all the best and take care.

  8. मनःपूर्वक शुभेच्छा! स्वतःला जप!

    1. All the best, Nitin. Take care throughout the trail. Follow all the trekking as well as Covid-19 protocols. Vinay Deodhar

  9. “Journey is more important than destination”. I hope it’ll become literally true for you on this trail. ENJOY! All the best!!

  10. Blessings to you Nitin as you start your adventure! We pray for safety, great health and peace as you journey 2190 miles!! 😎🥾🎒

  11. दाढी,
    तुझ्या प्रवासाला शुभेच्छा. हा प्रवास शारीरिक नसून मानसिक आहे हे लक्षात ठेवून सावकाश पण आत्मविश्वासाने समोरा जा. परत एकदा अभिनंदन व शुभेच्छा.

  12. Nitin,

    Wishing you the very best on this EPIC journey !!! Enjoy with Mother Nature and its nourishing quality to body and soul !!!!

    Be safe and share your experiences in your unique beautiful way !!!

    Looking forward to it !

    Best

  13. And… he’s off! Eclectic food mix. Good to see the breaking of naral! Best of luck on the journey, Nitin!!

  14. Hi Nitin, Well began is half done! Thoughtful planning and meticulous preparation would see it through for you. Enjoy your trip!

  15. Great start , wish you all the best! Look forward to reading about each day on the trail. Ganapati bappa morya🙏🙏

  16. गणपती बाप्पा मोरया!!!! मनःपूर्वक शुभेच्छा!!!

  17. Awesome start!!! Go Nitin!! All the very best for successful AT journey! May you get profound experience. Hope to be with you on some sections !!!
    Sheetal & Ajay

  18. Hi Nitin, best wishes for your adventure!! I really wish you cross through Connecticut, I will be happy to see you and walk at least one day with you.

  19. A wonderful start! Looking forward to future updates and grateful to be included. Health and safe hiking to you.

  20. पुढचे सात महीने अामच्या सदिच्छा तुझ्याबरोबर अाहेतच. अाम्ही तुझ्या प्रत्येक अपडेट्स ची अातुरतेनं वाट पाहत अाहोत. (तितक्याच उत्साहाने)

  21. Congratulations Daadhi on an Auspicious start and All the Very Best for an Exciting next 12 months !!!!

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