Four years ago I hiked the Appalachian Trail.
I had set out early in 2012 to try and become a famed thru hiker, but sadly missed out on the accolade by 380 miles. Did I fail? Some would say yes.
I however listened to the sage words of my father when he asked me if I felt there was anything else I would learn by hiking those 380 miles, was there anything I had left to gain except to say I had done it, miles for the sake of miles? I thought long and hard at the time and the answer was no.
By then I had learned a great deal about myself, my family and friends, as well as having accumulated some wonderful new friends along the way and a partner with whom I share my life today.
And to date, hiking the AT has been the single greatest achievement of my life.