From the Random Musings file --
What makes a "successful" hike for you? What kinds of things define "success" for your hiking adventures?
Maybe "success" isn't the right word for everyone -- so substitute "Gratifying"?
For those planning a thru-hike, I imagine answer Number One is probably "Finishing"...though maybe not necessarily. So I'm just curious about people's different thoughts.
For me, I think any given hike is successful if I --
1.) Reached the planned end-point;
2.) Go home in one piece;
3.) Feel happy & motivated enough to plan another one.
(If I don't reach the "planned" end-point, #'s 2 & 3 certainly make up for it!)