Chills: On the Appalachian Trail

"Are you crazy... hiking the AT alone?" was the typical response Polly received from her family, friends, and significant other when she decided to backpack the Burkes Garden section of the Appalachian Trail, alone. Physically fit, with numerous backpacking experiences, Polly was undeterred. This was an opportunity for her to face her own fears, and she had prepared herself for every conceivable incident that might occur. Besides, backpacking was Polly's passion. Not only did she relish the physical fitness that accompanied the hiking but she also had a tenacious belief that individuals needed to pursue their passions, even if they had to go it alone.