A summer of baking, selling helped me purchase gear for AT hike

July 27, 2014

I have been a busy-baker the last few weeks. I have been attending a local Market selling baked goods to help pay for my equipment and hiking expenses. My specialty is fresh, fried to order, Gluten Free Donuts. They are a huge hit. I have several people who have been coming back each week just to get one. So far after 3 weeks of market sales I have almost enough $$$ to buy my tent. I am thinking of getting the Hubba Hubba. It is a two person tent. I thought I would want the extra room for my gear even though it weighs a little more. I am not a big person, rather short actually. But I do have an issue with confined spaces. I also thought that in the event that my friend and I are to scared to sleep in our own cocoons we could share mine and throw our gear in hers. And also, with any luck if my husband is able to join me for any section hike, he won’t have to have a separate tent. So, I really think it will be the Hubba Hubba. hopefully I can get it soon and try it out this summer. Next month I was invited to climb Katahdin with my brother and his daughter and her family. Whoo Hoo. We will do the Knife’s Edge, not the AT trail to the top. I have actually done the AT trail to the summit a few times but never the Knife’s Edge. Can’t wait.

31 January 2015 –  Reflecting back to last summer and remembering devoting every Friday and Saturday to baking and selling, how much work it was. By the end of the summer though I had raised enough money to purchase half my gear. It was really important for me to earn “my own” funds for this hike.

Emily M. Leonard

About Emily M. Leonard

I am a 50 year old Maine native and lover of the outdoors. Former Physical Education teacher and soccer coach. I am Married to the best husband ever and gave up teaching and coaching to raise our two wonderful sons. I have always enjoyed being outside and on the go.