I have to do this!! Am I crazy??

[davenc]

Im glad I found this site. I am sure others have posted the same story Im about to post but this one is mine and would really like some feedback.

Im 33 and recently left a very unhappy job. I started back to school this month. I have been searching for "something" for my whole life I guess. I come from a Broken family, etc..etc...etc.. and it seems no matter what I do I just can't find it. Even having started school I just feel like Im crawling out of my skin. School is important to me but I have spent so much time f-ing my life up I just feel like I want to spend some time away from the craziness of it all. Im single, no kids...really nothing to keep me away from the trail. For a long time I just felt like i didn't have permission to do anything that was out of the "norm". Then I watched "into the Wild". Yes I know that movie ended with death and I don't wish that on anyone but I fell in love with Alexanders passion for life and also with his rebellious spirit.

I'm not sure where I'm going with this other then to say I HAVE to do something. I have to walk, I have to prove something to myself. I have to start somewhere!!. I have to get away from the madness. I have to just be with myself, and with other kindred spirits.
I feel very unprepared because basically I am. Would doing maybe a section of the trail this summer be a smart thing? I live in NC so getting to the trail is just a few hours. I almost feel like not doing something is much more dangerous then doing it. Sounds crazy but it's how I feel.
Can any of you relate to my babbling? If so let me know if I just need to up my prozac...lol...or if you think Im not really crazy at all. Thanks!!

[sbhikes]

I have to do this!! Am I crazy??

You are asking the wrong people. Of course you are crazy and so are we!

Would doing maybe a section of the trail this summer be a smart thing?

It's always a smart thing to go hiking! Also, if you are asking if it would be smarter for inexperienced you to hike a small section instead of the whole thing, why not just set out and see how far you get? Lots of people set out to do a section and then just keep on going.

[davenc]

You are asking the wrong people. Of course you are crazy and so are we!

It's always a smart thing to go hiking! Also, if you are asking if it would be smarter for inexperienced you to hike a small section instead of the whole thing, why not just set out and see how far you get? Lots of people set out to do a section and then just keep on going.

Ok good to know we are all crazy here...and in a good way it seems.

[hobbs]

Im glad I found this site. I am sure others have posted the same story Im about to post but this one is mine and would really like some feedback.

Im 33 and recently left a very unhappy job. I started back to school this month. I have been searching for "something" for my whole life I guess. I come from a Broken family, etc..etc...etc.. and it seems no matter what I do I just can't find it. Even having started school I just feel like Im crawling out of my skin. School is important to me but I have spent so much time f-ing my life up I just feel like I want to spend some time away from the craziness of it all. Im single, no kids...really nothing to keep me away from the trail. For a long time I just felt like i didn't have permission to do anything that was out of the "norm". Then I watched "into the Wild". Yes I know that movie ended with death and I don't wish that on anyone but I fell in love with Alexanders passion for life and also with his rebellious spirit.

I'm not sure where I'm going with this other then to say I HAVE to do something. I have to walk, I have to prove something to myself. I have to start somewhere!!. I have to get away from the madness. I have to just be with myself, and with other kindred spirits.
I feel very unprepared because basically I am. Would doing maybe a section of the trail this summer be a smart thing? I live in NC so getting to the trail is just a few hours. I almost feel like not doing something is much more dangerous then doing it. Sounds crazy but it's how I feel.
Can any of you relate to my babbling? If so let me know if I just need to up my prozac...lol...or if you think Im not really crazy at all. Thanks!!

No your not crazy many people have different reasons for hikeing..But a section sounds like a good idea in the sense it would make you more at ease and comfertble..It will also give you an understanding of learning about yourself.IMO

[4eyedbuzzard]

You are crazy. Nothing will likely change that. You might as well go for a hike and have some fun.

[Sickmont]

You are crazy. Nothing will likely change that. You might as well go for a hike and have some fun.

Yeah, like Buzzard said. Go play in the woods and be crazy.

[hikerboy57]

You're not crazy unless you eat the wild potatoes!

[davenc]

So what about family that thinks I'm crazy? how do I answer all of the questions??

[Sickmont]

So what about family that thinks I'm crazy? how do I answer all of the questions??

So let them think it. They wont bother you too often ever again if they think youre divergent.

[hobbs]

So what about family that thinks I'm crazy? how do I answer all of the questions??

Do what I did tell them...Show them the National geographic AT Trail video. Have them call The ATC and speak with someone as well.... Your not crazy....I told my family and my mother is 73 and one brother said do it while you can.... So thats what I got for a responce.One brother said i should do it all in sections. Nope was mine and he said ok...But my sister her view is negative, I really dont care what she thinks anyway..To be honest,

[Tenderheart]

So what about family that thinks I'm crazy? how do I answer all of the questions??

That's a good question. For 25+ years I have been hearing how crazy I am for running every day. When I announced my plans to thru hike, well. Just tell them that if they have to ask the question, they won't understand the answer. I'd much rather be the way I am than be normal. Wouldn't you?

litefoot 2000

[Big Dawg]

Im glad I found this site. I am sure others have posted the same story Im about to post but this one is mine and would really like some feedback.......

Welcome to WB!! YES, you're crazy. Congratulations! Welcome to the club. A lot of good responses so far. Question... have you ever done any hiking/backpacking? As 10K says,, "it's a LOT of work". But obviously work that's VERY rewarding. If you don't have any gear, then take the time to do research here, and make a list of the items you'll need. Many of us could send you a spreadsheet of our gear lists to give you an idea of a typical "kit",, ie.. all your gear. As far as finding yourself,, you'll have plenty of time in the woods to reflect, which can give clarity on what you really want to do in your future. Ultimately... go walk in the woods, and have a great time, and figure out what you want your experience to be. Oh, and while perusing here, sometimes you'll have to ignore the bickering, which accompanies any online forum. I sift through the crap and find the nuggets of gold. WB has many of them!

Yep----your crazy all right!!** But relax ---you could be normal ---work a stressful job in a cubicle from 9-5 each day........ etc.

one of my favorite responses too!

You're not crazy unless you eat the wild potatoes!

or the yellow snow,,,

[endubyu]

The journey is the destination, regardless of how long that journey is. What you seek may be found closer to home. State parks have hiking trails and campgrounds. Being on an organized trail for 6 months can give you a sense of accomplishment, and having it defined for you can give you a sense of direction and a stopping point. But never let Katahdin be your goal! (or Springer if SOBO). Enjoy each day you're in the wilderness whether on the AT or 20 miles from home. If you hike 20 miles today or two, take time to look around you, smell the air, hear the breeze in the leaves,... experience the solitude and make yourself whole. Let everyday be a pilgrimage. Your path will come to you.

[hikerboy57]

Your familys probably right. welcome to the club.

[hikerboy57]

And would you prefer to be "normal"? pretty boring.

[tawa]

Yep----your crazy all right!!** But relax ---you could be normal ---work a stressful job in a cubicle from 9-5 each day, drive in heavy freeway traffic for an hour each day, live in a suburbia USA on a culdasack with fifty other look alike homes, go to Walmart three-four times a week, have and use several technological gadgets which make you totally accessible and unplugged from the mainstream and be hooked on watching CNN news and ESPN sports several hours a day ---all while seldom exercising and hiking away from the couch and remote to either go to the refrigerator or bathroom!!** lol
Sure glad were crazy! Sure glad we took the other fork in the road and choose to travel the path less travelled. Actually hope we can keep it a secret because the mainstream would find a way to screw it up and for the government to either own or control it!
Just keep on hiking.

[davenc]

Yep----your crazy all right!!** But relax ---you could be normal ---work a stressful job in a cubicle from 9-5 each day, drive in heavy freeway traffic for an hour each day, live in a suburbia USA on a culdasack with fifty other look alike homes, go to Walmart three-four times a week, have and use several technological gadgets which make you totally accessible and unplugged from the mainstream and be hooked on watching CNN news and ESPN sports several hours a day ---all while seldom exercising and hiking away from the couch and remote to either go to the refrigerator or bathroom!!** lol
Sure glad were crazy! Sure glad we took the other fork in the road and choose to travel the path less travelled. Actually hope we can keep it a secret because the mainstream would find a way to screw it up and for the government to either own or control it!
Just keep on hiking.

This is my favorite response thus far!...
I also will take the comments regarding the trail not solving my problems. Youa re right I should not have any expectations so far as what to expect on the trail. Just letting things happen would be the better way to approach things.
What I like most is the over-all approach that everyone has had to break from the mainstream and do what I feel is best for me. Breaking my old train of thinking is a constant struggle but I can do it. BTW...Where do I find people like all of you in my own area?? Hikers, rebels, whatever you wanna call it...where are you?

[4eyedbuzzard]

BTW...Where do I find people like all of you in my own area?? Hikers, rebels, whatever you wanna call it...where are you?

Mostly, we're institutionalized.

Seriously, join a local trail club and you'll meet others. Lots of clubs organize group hikes / weekenders / short section hikes.

Also, just go start hiking. Especially on weekends during good weather there are usually others out hiking. If you camp at or near shelters you'll often get to socialize a bit and get to know some others there too. Most people hike somewhat locally, so you'll often meet people that you'll see again. Sometimes there are more than you'd even like - the woods can sometimes get crowded in popular spots.

[10-K]

Not to be a stick in the mud or anything but once you start hiking this romanticism will quickly wear off. It's a LOT of work.

I really like your idea of a few section hikes before taking the plunge - that's pretty wise.

[takethisbread]

Not to be a stick in the mud or anything but once you start hiking this romanticism will quickly wear off. It's a LOT of work.

I really like your idea of a few section hikes before taking the plunge - that's pretty wise.

So true.

Planning and thinking about it is maybe the best part.,by the time you hit Franklin you know it's going to be a battle. a major 5 day section hike would certainly give you an idea of what you might be in for. Not really but it'd help.

It's like a marriage. It's romantic at the beginning, but after time, it's sexless drudgery, and you are just trying to get through it.