View Full Version : Feeding the Brain
I'm sure this is somewhere, but I can't find it. I am wondering how you deal with the sheer monotony of a thru-hike. Gear lists rarely list books or journals. Are you just too physically tired at the end of the day to read or write? Do you listen to music while you hike? Compose epic poems in your head? Meditate or pray? How do you "feed" your brain while your body is undergoing such a grueling test of endurance?
The way you worded it sounds so horrible. In reality the absence of all the noise of civilization was one of the coolest part of a thru hike and one of the biggest things I miss. I found that my mind wondered everywhere and I was also much more in tune with my surroundings. One thing I will say, if you don't like spending time with you then it could be a horrible ordeal. On the music front. I was in a great deal of pain on the second half of my hike. I was doing high miles with a lot of snow and it took its toll. I was amazed how music acted as a distraction during those times when the pain was the worst. But the music usually took my thoughts to a different place and time but that could be because I primarily listen to country music. I was wondering where that truck was, my dog etc.
I like to save a bunch of podcasts on my Iphone and listen to them when it gets to be trudgery. That's first.
Second as I spend a lot of time traveling, Audio books dumped into my Iphone before I leave are a welcome distraction. I'll have regular long books but I have found that short stories seem to work out better for me. It makes for a short break and then my mind finds something related to the hike to occupy it again.
I'm sure this is somewhere, but I can't find it. I am wondering how you deal with the sheer monotony of a thru-hike. Gear lists rarely list books or journals. Are you just too physically tired at the end of the day to read or write? Do you listen to music while you hike? Compose epic poems in your head? Meditate or pray? How do you "feed" your brain while your body is undergoing such a grueling test of endurance?
Damn Yankee
12-21-2014, 09:46
Here you go.......free audio books
http://podiobooks.com/
I never listen to anything while hiking. I like to be present in my surroundings and don't want to drown anything out in other sounds. I am somewhat of a news junkie and like being informed about what's happening in the world. For this, I download The Economist on my phone in town including (when bandwidth allows) the audio edition which is like an ebook or podcast lasting about 7 hours. This is perfect to listen to in camp in the evening over several nights. I also download and read Kindle books, most of them free from my local library. For those not familiar with the Economist, it covers general news from an international perspective, not just business and economics, and it costs about $100/year to subscribe but I usually use airline miles to get it for free.
You're right, Malto, I could've worded this better. "Monotony" was not the best word choice - I was thinking less about the environment and more about the physical sensations (movement, stress, pain) in your body. I am not looking for suggestions for myself, but am genuinely curious about how others use their time on the trail aside from the physical act of hiking. I have very idealistic fantasies of using the thru-hike as a spiritual pilgrimage - bringing a journal and the Book of Psalms and meditating/writing on a different psalm each day, for example. I have dreamed of doing an AT thru-hike for 15 years (since I first read A Walk in the Woods, I'll admit!). However, now that I've come to a time in life when a thru-hike seems possible, I find myself less focused on the physical journey and more on the mental one. I suspect that's naive, and in the first week, the physical journey is going to be the only thing I'm thinking about. :)
Edited to add - However, suggestions are welcome!
Upon re-reading my post, I feel like it sounds pretentious. Forgive me - I am new. I don't mean to imply that a hike isn't "enough."
Tipi Walter
12-21-2014, 16:00
The monotony is broken up with town visits, resupplies, all you can eat gorges, shelter read-thrus of the registers, long naps, infrequent book readings (too heavy), staring into campfires, feeling sick and crappy and maybe puking at times, and Sheer Hiking.
There's some falling too which breaks up the monotony. And getting yellow jacket stung always kills a few minutes of boredom. Sometimes when you're in a Daze a close encounter with a rattlesnake always jolts you back to Being Here Now. The pit vipers know how to entertain.
And then there's the joy of a cold mountain rain which will throw you into a captivating fit of stage 2 hypothermia which helps to dispel monotony. It's always fun to stand by the AT on a mountain road in a butt cold foggy rain and try to hitch the heck into the closest town. You start laughing and shivering when the rain turns to a pounding deluge and you're a wet cold smudge on the side of a road.
And then there's the constant interaction with other bonobo humans. This onslaught usually breaks up the boredom and you usually end up hiking with a small band of them you get to know. Or you just hike with anyone you meet, if that's your desire. And it's fun to hitch and catch rides and get trail magic from strangers. Or stop to build a few cairns on the trail with some hippie girls. Gotta love the hippie girls. ETC ETC
rocketsocks
12-21-2014, 16:17
I'm sure this is somewhere, but I can't find it. I am wondering how you deal with the sheer monotony of a thru-hike. Gear lists rarely list books or journals. Are you just too physically tired at the end of the day to read or write? Do you listen to music while you hike? Compose epic poems in your head? Meditate or pray? How do you "feed" your brain while your body is undergoing such a grueling test of endurance?
I love when that runners high kicks in (not that I run), but hikas can experience this too. doesn't take to long for me to be floating along on endorphins, recognizing it, and riding the wave....books, movies and music also help to break things up. A good book doesn't weigh all that much.
I have a 16 GB iPod Touch.
It has books, audio books, PDF's. It has Psalms, I love. It has Bible in translations, even side-by-side Hebrew and NT Greek. I have webpages saved, as photos, to refer to later. I have "apps" for music and video, that need WiFi. I have apps like Star Walk, and amateur radio apps.
I have Guthook Trail Guide apps, so far. I have the CDT map PDF.
I have the iPod with me, when I hike.
We will "see" about the Trail Guides and maps.
I will find out if I like this GPS accessory I purchased to use with the GPS map apps.
The fact is, I used the previous iPod Touch and accessory GPS I had. I never used the other apps, or, read anything. I never recorded a journal. I never listened to music or video, even in town between hiking.
I am aware and alert to my surroundings, even more so hiking, and, in camp.
It is important to be alert, but, I genuinely like natural sounds.
Stuck in the city, I had water sounds and bird sounds, even crickets sounds apps!
Be mindful of how you let yourself define - all things - as it shapes our perceptions of those things.
When we change the way we look at things the things we look at change.
You're right, Malto, I could've worded this better. "Monotony" was not the best word choice - I was thinking less about the environment and more about the physical sensations (movement, stress, pain) in your body. I am not looking for suggestions for myself, but am genuinely curious about how others use their time on the trail aside from the physical act of hiking. I have very idealistic fantasies of using the thru-hike as a spiritual pilgrimage - bringing a journal and the Book of Psalms and meditating/writing on a different psalm each day, for example. I have dreamed of doing an AT thru-hike for 15 years (since I first read A Walk in the Woods, I'll admit!). However, now that I've come to a time in life when a thru-hike seems possible, I find myself less focused on the physical journey and more on the mental one. I suspect that's naive, and in the first week, the physical journey is going to be the only thing I'm thinking about. :)
Sounds like you've got it. You understand that a hike is more than a physical act. It is a mental, emotional, soulish and spiritual act as well.
Consider too that you are the environment part of the environment not apart from it. You can hold a connection - a union - with everything else, with all of creation and with a Higher Power however you wish to express or define that Higher Power OR even if you believe in no Higher Power. I ask, if you looked at LIFE - backpacking - that way instead would LIFE - a thru-hike - seem monotonous? Would a thru-hike not become infinitely always changing infinitely variable infinitely interesting infinitely diverse?
rocketsocks
12-21-2014, 17:06
I have a 16 GB iPod Touch.
It has books, audio books, PDF's. It has Psalms, I love. It has Bible in translations, even side-by-side Hebrew and NT Greek. I have webpages saved, as photos, to refer to later. I have "apps" for music and video, that need WiFi. I have apps like Star Walk, and amateur radio apps.
Amen! one does not have to be religious to enjoy the readings from the bible, it's a great book with mystery, tons a characters, and every scenario that plagues, there's a reason they call it "The Good book" great reading. But what is this amateur radio app?
I have quite a few: solar data, sunrise-sunset greyline, atmospheric propagation, etc.
I carry HF amateur radio with me.
I like some SWL short wave listening of radio amateurs.
I will have PSK31, soon, that operates well on QRP low power, otherwise, if I make contact it has been all QRP single sideband voice.
W7CJD
rocketsocks
12-21-2014, 17:18
I have quite a few: solar data, sunrise-sunset greyline, atmospheric propagation, etc.
I carry HF amateur radio with me.
I like some SWL short wave listening of radio amateurs.
I will have PSK31, soon, that operates well on QRP low power, otherwise, if I make contact it has been all QRP single sideband voice.
W7CJDThanks Connie, will look into those as this is an area that has peaked an interes for me for many years now, but fer now is on the back burner.
Do a callsign Lookup at qrz.com
I have the equipment I use listed.
It is great fun listening in to a man up near the top of Finland talking about where he lives, or, hearing a man in Anartica talk to his family at home in Alaska.
I didn't want to talk. But I can listen.
In fact, it takes only a very little radio to listen. I think the SWL portables have SSB listening, as well as, short wave broadcasts from around the world.
I like the fact it actually works! Amazing!
I have all of the original thrill of amateur radio.
rocketsocks
12-22-2014, 00:37
Do a callsign Lookup at qrz.com
I have the equipment I use listed.
It is great fun listening in to a man up near the top of Finland talking about where he lives, or, hearing a man in Anartica talk to his family at home in Alaska.
I didn't want to talk. But I can listen.
In fact, it takes only a very little radio to listen. I think the SWL portables have SSB listening, as well as, short wave broadcasts from around the world.
I like the fact it actually works! Amazing!
I have all of the original thrill of amateur radio.Yup, I listen often, have a couple SW receivers. I liked Three hundred zeros by Dennis Blanchard. just another cool thing to do while your out there on the trail, neat stuff.
Cuacoatchoo
12-22-2014, 02:33
I think many of these posts are recommending audiobooks for at camp. A word of caution on headphones/earbuds. I've been solo section hiking twice on the AT when bears have popped up out of the ferns fairly close to me (20 feet off the trail). In one case a started bear gave me a "Huff" to let me know to pay attention. The other time, I heard the muffled thuds of a bear running up the trail towards me and my dorritos. Based on this bears attitude, it seemed like he had learned to bluff scare hikers into dropping their packs.
Your 5 senses are nice tools to have.
Last april I observed thru hikers carrying: Magic the gathering cards, regular cards, cell phones, kindles, a tiny guitar (really liked this guy), and the thru-hikers guidebook. The shelter registries were interesting to read while making dinner, as they're full of quotes and messages. I thought one entry was particularly beautiful from a Feb start NOBOer who arrived at davenport gap shelter in the snow and alone.
mrcoffeect
12-22-2014, 08:29
I've always felt like each morning waking up on the trail, is closest thing to that little kid chrismas morning feeling. Oh the potential of the day. who knows what lies ahead as I slowly unwrap the day. Its never boring. Although I have had a few days where it seem the gift of the day was a turd.
Tipi Walter
12-22-2014, 09:21
A word of caution on headphones/earbuds. I've been solo section hiking twice on the AT when bears have popped up out of the ferns fairly close to me (20 feet off the trail). In one case a started bear gave me a "Huff" to let me know to pay attention. The other time, I heard the muffled thuds of a bear running up the trail towards me and my dorritos. Based on this bears attitude, it seemed like he had learned to bluff scare hikers into dropping their packs.
Your 5 senses are nice tools to have.
This reminds me of the time I was hiking south of Chatfield shelter in Virginia (north of Partnership shelter) and a backpacker was hiking north with his electronic I-nad blasting music into his Ear Pods while rushing down the trail, drooling I guess to get to the next shelter. He came up on me fast but his head was down and buried in some intricate thought-fantasy of his own making when he saw me and SCREAMED at the surprise. I shook him up. It was comical.
Of course my pack looked like a refrigerator on my back and perhaps he mistook me for a standing kodiak bear.
Beyond all this, it's just stump stupid to hike with ear-worming music playing in rattlesnake country (i.e. most of the AT). You won't hear the buzzing.
to each his own.
I carry an ebook. I hike 8 to 10 hours a day and rest, eat and read the rest. It works for me. It seems that all the books in the world (SWAG) fits in one ebook.LOL
After the first couple of weeks I started finding books in the shelters. I'd pick one up and read it and when I was done with it I'd leave it in a shelter for someone else to read.
Just Bill
12-22-2014, 11:26
It's quite true that one of the great boons to hiking long distances is the time to think freely and openly- but when you're not used to doing this it is quite a change.
As an avid reader I had a distaste for Audiobooks, and still do to an extent, but it can be a nice way to get in a book. My current style usually precludes carrying a book, which I used to do all the time. There used to be a "book library" on the AT, hikers would leave finished books and take new books at the shelters, but e-books on devices have largely eliminated this.
Music is a big part of my life, and this is no different on a hike. At home I often listen to music in the background, but while hiking I have the time to listen more fully and completely. The peace of hiking compliments the music and both are undertaken more completely as a result in my opinion.
Scott Jurek cites a study in his book that shows that a half hour of music has the same effect on the body as taking two aspirin. I think Malto and many others would agree that music can be an essential part of a hike if you allow it. Someplace on here we have also discussed our various "hour of power" or "long songs" playlists that a few of us have for those times you need to break out of mental rut or cover a few more miles towards the end of the day.
I also agree with others- during dawn/dusk it's best to leave the music off. I'd be a liar if I said I didn't occasionally have some days where music played all day, but I also have occasional blocks or even trips with no music. You'll find your own balance.
Reading the trail journals is always a nice bonus to hiking the AT, keeping your own, or notes on a smartphone can be good too.
I may even know a person who wrote a book while walking around. ;)
Most will want to stop here, as this is where we board the crazy train:
As DW mentions-meditation and spirituality are excellent things to focus on in regards to filling your time. It doesn't have to be religious by any means, but hiking is a good time to debate with yourself such questions if you care to. Regardless of if there is a fella that owns the place or not, nearly any mindful practice, physical, spiritual or religious, involves some meditation.
At night, before going to bed, is an excellent time to practice meditation. It can take some time and effort to do. Generally it is active: mindfully keeping your effort focused on a something, even as simple as reviewing your day. Or passive: seeking stillness- allowing your mind to quiet and have no thoughts. Each effort increases awareness of yourself in some way.
At some point you will be able to extend this practice to walking;
You may use the motion to actively and deeply explore thoughts, emotions, or questions.
Or you may use the motion and rhythm to increase stillness and extend awareness, first of yourself, and eventually to your surroundings.
When folks talk about "healing" often it is simply actively allowing yourself to relive, feel, confront and let go past pain. In various meditation practices you may be taught to ground these issues and let them go. A hiker does something similar as they take each step. The long green tunnel in particular practically forces you into this path, failure to walk it forces many off the trail.
Whither they talk about it, know they do it, formally try, or care to define it- I know most long distance hikers practice some form of meditation. It is inevitable when confronted with yourself and nature for hour after hour, day after day. Especially as skill and experience increase and require less of your time and direct attention. It can be a powerful tool for pain management and other difficulties encountered. There are always challenging portions of any hike, being able to overcome internal and external forces that can end a hike is a hallmark of any successful long distance hiker. So much so that I don't consider it my opinion, I consider it a fact- just one that is not talked about as often as it could be.
People do get hurt, run out of money, or have external issues that delay or end a hike.
The vast majority of hikes end though for internal reasons, no hiker lasts long without facing this issue- however they do it.
You may even occasionally be so lucky as to enter your surroundings so completely as to flow with them, through them, in them, with them-become a part of them. Move with so little trouble that your hike is effortless. Crazy or not- this is the reason I hike.
When we open ourselves up to life, when we make ourselves available, when we are present, when we recognize that a hike is more than a 30" wide manicured trail we physically labor upon the infinitely diverse and infinitely interesting Universe begins revealing itself.
We can easily conjure up some rather odd conventional mainstream religious ideas of what it means to meditate or pray, but really all it can mean is to contemplate, reflect, appeal to, appreciate, and to be thankful. We can live this way far beyond the context of a hike.
If a long distance hike became largely monotonous, meaning dull, tedious, lacking variety and interest, boring, I would know it is not the hike that is that way but it is me. I would be lacking imagination, gratitude, a larger sense of life well beyond myself.
Many have heard it many times but it's worth repeating: a hike is more of a journey rather than a destination and a starting pt - just like life. Embrace LIFE more fully and not only will a thru-hike seem less monotonous but so will LIFE.
A hike(thru-hike) is as much a journey of the soul as it is a journey of the feet.
A hike(thru-hike) is so much more than hiking.
Good point. But I only use the one ear. (anyone else remember doing it "That" way?
I think many of these posts are recommending audiobooks for at camp. A word of caution on headphones/earbuds. I've been solo section hiking twice on the AT when bears have popped up out of the ferns fairly close to me (20 feet off the trail). In one case a started bear gave me a "Huff" to let me know to pay attention. The other time, I heard the muffled thuds of a bear running up the trail towards me and my dorritos. Based on this bears attitude, it seemed like he had learned to bluff scare hikers into dropping their packs.
Your 5 senses are nice tools to have.
Last april I observed thru hikers carrying: Magic the gathering cards, regular cards, cell phones, kindles, a tiny guitar (really liked this guy), and the thru-hikers guidebook. The shelter registries were interesting to read while making dinner, as they're full of quotes and messages. I thought one entry was particularly beautiful from a Feb start NOBOer who arrived at davenport gap shelter in the snow and alone.
If you find the hike monotonous and not enjoyable, that's a good reason to call it a day and become a section hiker.
Traveler
12-23-2014, 08:57
It's quite true that one of the great boons to hiking long distances is the time to think freely and openly- but when you're not used to doing this it is quite a change.
As an avid reader I had a distaste for Audiobooks, and still do to an extent, but it can be a nice way to get in a book. My current style usually precludes carrying a book, which I used to do all the time. There used to be a "book library" on the AT, hikers would leave finished books and take new books at the shelters, but e-books on devices have largely eliminated this.
Music is a big part of my life, and this is no different on a hike. At home I often listen to music in the background, but while hiking I have the time to listen more fully and completely. The peace of hiking compliments the music and both are undertaken more completely as a result in my opinion.
Scott Jurek cites a study in his book that shows that a half hour of music has the same effect on the body as taking two aspirin. I think Malto and many others would agree that music can be an essential part of a hike if you allow it. Someplace on here we have also discussed our various "hour of power" or "long songs" playlists that a few of us have for those times you need to break out of mental rut or cover a few more miles towards the end of the day.
I also agree with others- during dawn/dusk it's best to leave the music off. I'd be a liar if I said I didn't occasionally have some days where music played all day, but I also have occasional blocks or even trips with no music. You'll find your own balance.
Reading the trail journals is always a nice bonus to hiking the AT, keeping your own, or notes on a smartphone can be good too.
I may even know a person who wrote a book while walking around. ;)
Most will want to stop here, as this is where we board the crazy train:
As DW mentions-meditation and spirituality are excellent things to focus on in regards to filling your time. It doesn't have to be religious by any means, but hiking is a good time to debate with yourself such questions if you care to. Regardless of if there is a fella that owns the place or not, nearly any mindful practice, physical, spiritual or religious, involves some meditation.
At night, before going to bed, is an excellent time to practice meditation. It can take some time and effort to do. Generally it is active: mindfully keeping your effort focused on a something, even as simple as reviewing your day. Or passive: seeking stillness- allowing your mind to quiet and have no thoughts. Each effort increases awareness of yourself in some way.
At some point you will be able to extend this practice to walking;
You may use the motion to actively and deeply explore thoughts, emotions, or questions.
Or you may use the motion and rhythm to increase stillness and extend awareness, first of yourself, and eventually to your surroundings.
When folks talk about "healing" often it is simply actively allowing yourself to relive, feel, confront and let go past pain. In various meditation practices you may be taught to ground these issues and let them go. A hiker does something similar as they take each step. The long green tunnel in particular practically forces you into this path, failure to walk it forces many off the trail.
Whither they talk about it, know they do it, formally try, or care to define it- I know most long distance hikers practice some form of meditation. It is inevitable when confronted with yourself and nature for hour after hour, day after day. Especially as skill and experience increase and require less of your time and direct attention. It can be a powerful tool for pain management and other difficulties encountered. There are always challenging portions of any hike, being able to overcome internal and external forces that can end a hike is a hallmark of any successful long distance hiker. So much so that I don't consider it my opinion, I consider it a fact- just one that is not talked about as often as it could be.
People do get hurt, run out of money, or have external issues that delay or end a hike.
The vast majority of hikes end though for internal reasons, no hiker lasts long without facing this issue- however they do it.
You may even occasionally be so lucky as to enter your surroundings so completely as to flow with them, through them, in them, with them-become a part of them. Move with so little trouble that your hike is effortless. Crazy or not- this is the reason I hike.
Very well stated, especially the meditation component. It's not crazy at all.
evyck da fleet
12-23-2014, 14:28
I carried a mp3 player but really only listened to it in town when doing laundry or a rare night in my tent. Mostly I let whatever song popped into my head be my soundtrack so I could keep my senses aware for deer, bear, moose, rattlesnakes etc. I picked up a small book for a week in Pearisburg and another in CT since after a month or two the added weight of a book was nominal. Resupply stops break up any 'monotony' and additional side trips to NYC, DC, Luray Caverns, Gettysburg etc can also help.
Sometimes i whistle or hum but i do prefer the sounds of nature and i do a lot of problem solving in my head while i am hiking, hiking has a wounderful way of helping me think through problems but i will admit their have been a couple of times i wished i had a MP3 player or something similiar.