Hike #24 Purpose, Peaks, and Privy | Kicking off the State of Maryland on the AT
Day 1 | July 24, 2025 | Hiking with Katie and Carl | 11.04 miles, 2,083 ascent, 1,870 descent | Mason Dixon Line at Pen Mar Park to Wolfsville Road
Standing atop High Rock, gazing out across the vast valley below, I felt it… that unmistakable sense of accomplishment, freedom, and purpose that only comes when you push past limits, especially with people you love.
This photo captures me on Day One of an unforgettable journey, hiking the entire Appalachian Trail section in the state of Maryland. I started the day with two of my favorite trailblazers: my husband Carl and our oldest daughter, Katie. It’s not just about the miles; it’s about the meaning behind every step.
Shortly after reaching the breathtaking views at High Rock, the highest peak on the Maryland section, Carl made the tough but wise decision to exit the trail due to an injury. While I missed him for the rest of the day, I’m so proud of him for listening to his body.
As for Katie, this was her very first time hiking the Appalachian Trail. And guess what? She loved it. From the rocky climbs, spider webs, and trail chats, she embraced it all in 92 degree heat. But nothing says “welcome to the AT” quite like her first experience with a trail privy and one that didn’t have a door. But, it did have a killer view. Let’s just say it was humbling, hilarious, and instantly iconic.
For me, this hike represents so much more than the physical challenge. It’s a manifestation of my core values:
Purpose-Driven Impact – committing to goals that matter and embracing challenges that stretch us.
Connection and Empathy – choosing experiences that deepen bonds with the people I love.
Legacy of Contribution – modeling what it means to keep growing, keep moving, and keep showing up, no matter your age, the weather, or stage in life.
We started our day at the iconic Mason-Dixon Line, the symbolic border between North and South, and climbed into a day full of conversation, effort, and perspective. The Appalachian Trail reminds me that life’s journeys aren’t always easy, but they’re always worth it when we walk them with intention and heart.
High Rock, where this photo was taken, is covered in decades of colorful graffiti. The layers of stories from those who came before us. And now, our story is part of that tapestry too.
This is just the beginning. One day down. Many more to come.
Onward, for the challenge, for the connection, and for the legacy we’re building one step at a time.
A fun trail poem to celebrate Katie’s 1st day and experience on the trail:
The Privy With a View
By Kim Ford (with a wink to the AT gods)
They warned me of the rugged trail,
Of roots and rocks and rain,
But no one said my grand debut
Would be in a woodsy “latrine.”
No door to guard my wilderness throne,
Just planks and open sky,
And a panoramic mountainscape
That nearly made me cry.
A breeze rolled through, the trees stood still,
My legs unsure, my pride on hold,
Yet somehow in that awkward squat,
I felt both brave and bold.
Forget the Ritz, the fancy halls,
Or stalls with locks and signs.
This was raw, unfiltered living
On the oldest trail of time.
Now I know what hikers mean
When they say the trail is true.
It humbles you in ways you’d never guess…
Like a privy with a view.