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ARCTIC SVEN FINDING KI

About The Book

Arctic Sven Finding KI

Loren J. Chassels felt stuck, working two demanding jobs as an EMT and a full-time high school teacher. Burned out and overwhelmed, he decided to take a life-changing journcy-hiking the entire 2,190+ mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.

With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, Loren set out to challenge himself physically and mentally. As he trekked through the ever-changing landscapes, from lush forests to snow-capped peaks, he found a sense of inner harmony that had been missing from his life.

Loren’s story is one of personal growth and self-discovery. He shares the joys and difficulties of life on the trail, from the beauty of communing with nature to the physical toll of hiking long distances. Along the way, he meets a colorful cast of fellow hikers. and draws inspiration from the trail’s legendary thru-hikers

Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking for an uplifting tale of finding one’s true path, Loren’s journey on the Appalachian Trail will leave you inspired to seek your own adventure

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Arctic Sven Finding KI

Chapters

It was the year 1998 in March, when the sight of my desk started to become hauntingly familiar. It wasn’t a familiarity that sparked a connection but rather one that mirrored the patterns of being mundane.
Chapter # 1Introduction
“Okay, so here’s the plan,” I told myself. I made all the necessary payments and was ready for my next big move. But it wasn’t as easy as it sounded. The plan had undergone …
Chapter # 2The Original Plan
The thing about making major decisions in life and following through with them is the extensive planning phase and how it takes over your life, making you obsess over details no matter how minor…
Chapter # 3Gear and Logistics
The hike I was about to embark on would, indeed, be one of the most difficult challenges of my life. I didn’t take it lightly and was adamant about taking every step possible to ensure my trip’s safety. I wanted to be equipped to deal…
Chapter # 4Mindset and Motivation
February 24th, 1999, was the day that would give meaning to my existence. I stepped out of the car, reveling in how the solid ground felt beneath my boots. The sun glistened through the clouds, creating thin rays of golden light that fell on the white…
Chapter # 5Starting the Hike
If I had to describe my time in Georgia in one word, I would have to say “cold.” It seemed like no matter how many layers I slipped on, I could still feel the chill of the winter seep into my bones, making my teeth rattle. The …
Chapter # 6Georgia to North Carolina
Georgia had tested me—the rugged mountains and the biting cold that lingered day after day. I had faced it all and survived, each step hard-earned. Now, as I crossed the border into North Carolina, a new challenge…
Chapter # 7North Carolina to Tennessee
The moment I crossed over into Tennessee, I felt a jolt of electricity in the air, as if this state, this land, knew I was coming. For weeks of walking on and up North Carolina’s mountains, battling harsh weather and steep climbs…
Chapter # 8Tennessee to Virginia
After a good night’s sleep following the day’s hike, I felt much less stiffness throughout my body. I needed a long rest to let my body recover from my extensive hike. This short but sweet retreat helped the swelling decrease …
Chapter # 9Virginia to West Virginia
Harpers Ferry is a multilayered place that witnessed multiple developmental stages, such as its first successful railroad, John Brown’s attack on slavery, and its earliest integrated schools …
Chapter # 10West Virginia to Maryland
It had been an eventful hike so far, considering the amount of rattlesnakes I was coming across and occasionally wishing I had a camera to capture them in their natural habitat. While some part of me wanted to interact …
Chapter # 11Maryland to Pennsylvania
The climb over the Buchanan was mostly a 75-degree incline, with a bright sun shining over my head, humid air making everything feel sticky, and a rocky terrain that felt even more gruesome, with the wind acting …
Chapter # 12Pennsylvania to New Jersey
The very next day, a long stop at a lake permitted several nice photos of a water moccasin and copperhead hunting small fish. The day also included “The Lemon Squeezer,” a rock that is supposed…
Chapter # 13New Jersey to New York
There were moments when I just wanted to give up. My body would feel worn out from the long hikes, but that was usually my cue to have a meal and rest before starting again…
Chapter # 14New York to Connecticut
Things were starting to fall into place. As my A.T. thru-hike proceeded, I received the incredible news that my scholarship for medical school had been approved…
Chapter # 15Connecticut to Massachusetts
Waking up can be pretty difficult, especially when you have chugged Benadryl for healing the night before. I wanted to sleep all day but knew I had to keep going. So, sometime in the afternoon…
Chapter # 16Massachusetts to Vermont
Hiking taught me a lot of things, most importantly to think quickly and act. When I began walking at Springer Mountain, my goal was to complete the trek. However, I realized later that it was…
Chapter # 17Vermont to New Hampshire
Crossing paths with Ziplock, Duke, Torso, and another hiker who accompanied them was a breath of fresh air. We exchanged conversations with a group of German hikers who had choppy English, but we managed somehow…
Chapter # 18New Hampshire to Maine
Receiving replacements for my gear brought me peace, knowing that I could continue my journey without worrying about these matters. Not only was I able to get a nice pair of fleece pants but new Leki poles as well…
Chapter # 19Approaching the End
I followed the old A.T. arrows. They went under more difficult boulders and through smaller passageways. I only took my pack off at the first one, but soon realized I could have kept it on the whole time…
Chapter # 20Advice for Future Hikers
It was only after finishing the hike that I realized that as much as I valued the experience, it was not something I would do for the second time again. It was fun while it lasted …
Chapter # 21The Educational Value
There are some lessons you can only learn while you are on the trail, pushing your mind and your body to its limits. There is no other way to gain wisdom unless you crack yourself open. On the Appalachian Trail, each step seemed…
Chapter # 22Final Thoughts
The Appalachian Trail wasn’t just a hike; it was a journey into my heart. With more than 2,200 miles, countless steps, and months of walking, I came to several realizations…
Chapter # 23Final Thoughts
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Why Read It?

Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking for an uplifting tale of finding one’s true path, Loren’s journey on the Appalachian Trail will leave you inspired to seek your own adventure