Why are you doing the A T?
Is it a dream, or just to see if you can?
Ron,
This is a great question and something I have thought about quite a lot. For me it is both of these things, a challenge and a dream, plus: after a 32 year career in management within a Fortune 500 corporation I must admit that I have become a bit jaded and cynical in my view of the world and people. I am hoping my experiences on the AT and the people I meet along the way will help restore my faith in the basic goodness of mankind. This is also a time of transition for my wife and I as we begin this new phase of our lives (retirement) in a new location and state from our previous home of 26 years. We both plan to enter this next chapter of our liives with zeal and an unbridled enthusiasm for living every day to its fullest and being extremely thankful for all we have been blessed with in our lives thus far. I look forward to meeting you and many other wonderful people on the journey. Thanks for all you do to support the hiking community!
This is a question that a lot more folks should think about. Why are you doing the trail in the first place. The answer could well have a bearing on one's likelihood of finishing.
For me, it's a little of both. Like T-Rx, I too am retired and have the time to follow a dream of hiking one of the major trails. Also, and more importantly, I am a veteran who suffers from PTSD and have learned that time spent in the woods, by myself, with occasional company is good for my soul, renews my trust in people, and generally all around mental health healing. I am hoping to hike with the Warrior Hikers this year in an attempt to become a triple crowner.
"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."
Isaiah 55:12
Damn Yankee,
Perhaps our paths will cross next year and thank you for your service to our country!
My thoughts
First of all, I'm a section hiker dedicated to doing all 2180 miles of The Trail -- and got halfway there just this year.
I think about that question just about every day I'm out there, and particularly when the rain is coming down, my socks are soaking wet, and I'm going down Agony Hill (but not TOO fast!).
I ask myself WHY am I exacting such a toll on my body and psyche, when there is absolutely NO chance for ANY reward, other than what I give to myself.
And, like Sherlock Holmes, I basically try to eliminate all possibilities but one -- at which point I declare that the one that remains, so matter how ridiculous, must be the correct one.
I definitely don't do it for the camaraderie -- I'd rather not meet a soul when I arrive at a shelter or campsite, and have had FAR more difficulties with other hikers than with loneliness.
Likewise, I don't do it for isolation or to get off the grid -- I could get that simply by staying at a wilderness cabin, and be far more comfortable.
And I DON'T ENJOY being away from civilization -- the second thing I do after stopping for the night is get out my smart phone (the FIRST thing I do is apologize for doing so!)
I don't do it to commune with nature, although that IS a definite part of the thrill. Again, a wilderness cabin with day hikes could accomplish that.
Besides, I definitely enjoy 21st Century comforts -- if I could stay every night at a hikers lodge with mattresses, outlets, hot showers, and free wifi, I'd do so.
The conclusion that I've come to is that I simply enjoy "besting" Mother Nature at her "game": that I know there is a challenge out there, that I CAN WIN if I combine my strength, my smarts, my discipline, and my will.
When I end a hike, there is a definite rush when I realize that I DID IT!
It's the same rush I get when I solve a crossword puzzle or a Sudoko game.
I can only say this backpacking rush has gotten into my system, and I can't shake it.
If I gave up now, there are 100 other things I could do that are just as satisfying, and a LOT less costly to my time, body, and pocketbook. But I would STILL be thinking about getting back on The Trail.
Last edited by GoldenBear; 12-15-2014 at 16:01.
As a new but committed (or should be committed) section hiker, hiking the trail is a long-term commitment. Interestingly, I tell people what I'm doing and they say, "That's cool," but never ask why. I take that to mean either they don't care, or, they know me and it just makes sense. I've always been into the outdoors, nature, camping, animals, am a Scout parent/leader, independent, adventurous, and not afraid hard work, being dirty or peeing in the woods... and I generally see things every day that other people wouldn't take the time to notice. I like that about backcountry hiking.
As to "why," I guess I'm glad they don't ask because I'm not sure, even as wordy as I am, that I can communicate it because it's something that runs very deep. Not just the outdoors, the adventure, but for me (and I'm a non-Christian/not really religious at all) it's a spiritual journey (think being in tune with Mother Earth, greater understanding). It's a place to go away from the "crazy" that our society has become, to unplug, see the good in the world, the good in people, make friends, see things most people would never even consider, challenge myself, accomplish something great, see what I"m made of, see the world...
"Your comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there."
Hi Ron, I used the services you provide during my thru hike. I remember you!!
I hiked to get away from my career for awhile, investing is high stress with high risk/reward.
I came back a new man, refreshed and peaceful. I knew I could do it because I had all the time needed and more than enough funds to do it.
It was all on my back. I was most unsure physically but after enduring 3 weeks of adjustment I managed to adapt and it became enjoyable.
Not a dream, not a test. I like hiking.
coffee outside at daybreak, a full day of exercise, a little polite conversation and a cold nite's sleep. no metaphysics needed.
That would be fun. Hope to catch you on the trailOriginally Posted by T-Rx
"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."
Isaiah 55:12
This is encouraging, from one quinquagenarian to another. Thank you. After 28 years of stress (firefighter/paramedic), I'm looking forward to being away from the public. I don't foresee many nights in town. And I think my job has mentally prepared me well for this trek. While I'm in decent physical shape, stress on my body is my main concern. Once I got past the first few weeks, I figured I be fine. Thank you for confirming this.
AKA "DANGER" AT Thru-Hiker Class of 2015
Both. Been dreaming about it for decades - tried in 2012 - 500 miles before slipping and getting injured. Trying again in 2016 to see if I can.
PLUS: get to meet neat people like yourself. Thanks for the shuttle service and helpful advice, plus the interesting history lessons about the local area.
Hope to see you again in 2016.
Old Hiker
AT Hike 2012 - 497 Miles of 2184
AT Thru Hiker - 29 FEB - 03 OCT 2016 2189.1 miles
Just because my teeth are showing, does NOT mean I'm smiling.
Hányszor lennél inkább máshol?
I did it for many reasons, some more important to me then others.
Because I could.
Because I love backpacking.
Because it wasn't something my family, friends, and the people I grew up around were into (this isn't a factor in me doing what I do anymore, don't know why it was in the first place).
Because the introverted side of me needed some recharging, I left early in the season so I was alone a lot (perfect).
Because of where my life was at the time, it was easy for me to disappear for 6 months.
Because I worked hard and had the money to spare.
That's just off the top of my head, but those were the big ones.
There's no reward at the end for the most miserable thru-hiker.
After gear you can do a thru for $2,000.
No training is a substitute for just going and hiking the AT. You'll get in shape.
I'll see you in 2016 old hiker as i will be on the trail in April
It's a dream. I've hiked on bits and pieces for decades, and want to see the whole thing. Also, it gets me out into nature for an extended time.
"It's fun to have fun, but you have to know how." ---Dr. Seuss
Pure, unadulterated curiosity.
And walking/hiking through, around, over, under etc is and has been for over thirty years the best way to fulfil my curiosity about places. And walking is fun.
The reason I ask this question is, Many people I believe does this for a dream. I have saw them be shattered early on. I have done a lot of things to prevent these things from happening. I don't see near as many shuttles needed for the Amtrac, bus stations, and airports in my area as I use to. I believe the keys to success is ask a million questions if you have to. Don't begin with a marathon race to start with just because your friend does. Bring just what you need, make sure you have the right shoes and gear. I know people who have did the trail in record time and I know a man that did 100 miles a year for 22 years. If I can ever answer a question for you, I will. PM me or e-mail me. I want to see to see you do it for what ever your reason is. See all of you up the trail I hope.
You are a true Angel of the Trail, Ron. Thank you for all you do! Happy Holidays to you and your family!
"Your comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there."
Thank you for all you do. I look forward to staying with you in Franklin in a couple of years.
"It's fun to have fun, but you have to know how." ---Dr. Seuss
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