Originally Posted by
Just Bill
Being a busy boy with exciting ventures looming I haven't been on much, but I've stopped by or read threads when I can. In doing so I note a new problem, or undercurrent in the Long Distance community at large I am curious about.
I note there is a bit of distaste building for the increased popularity, changing experience or even commercialization of the big trails lately. Even the thru-hiking experience seems to be developing a bit of a "been there, done that, not for me" feel. Part of it seems to be growing pains and typical silliness; but part of it I like to think, is a renewed sense of adventure and wanderlust as the traditional off the beaten paths have gotten a bit more beaten in recent years.
I for one find this very exciting.
What AT hiker doesn't admire Shaffer, or mountaineer admire Hillary? The firsts and early pioneers are always admired and emulated, and a short generation or two later thousands upon thousands have followed in their footsteps. So to must it be in our sport, or it must die.
As environmental crisis after crisis looms, and parcel by parcel "protected" lands slip away I hope for and desperately cheer any participation in the outdoors. In any shape, way or form. I hope people line up until permits are issued and quotas are filled. I hope people demand that new areas and trails be opened to them- so that they can have the "thru-hike" experience too.
I am reminded of my first love, sport climbing and it's history. How the sport was limited to a very few select areas, each with local masters and a small community of folks who knew each other. How climbers felt crowded out of their favorite spots, or simply sought a greater challenge at new places. No guides, no beta, no word of mouth, no internet. Just pure adventure.
As bold climber after bold climber went out and put up new routes it spurred awareness of new areas, competition among climbers, and eventually a large group who lobbied for protection, fought to protect, open, and expand land. Sure, some lamented the improved access, technological innovations, and loss of the original spirit of adventure. Some bemoaned the lust for harder and harder grades, the focus on speed climbing or the miniscule world of the boulder climber. But climber by climber and area by area the sport grew. Commercialization followed as companies like The North Face and Patagonia emerged, eventually turning their companies into forces for massive good. The founder of The North Face is the largest private conservator of land on the planet, the founder of Patagonia continues to reinvent how a corporation can be run as a force FOR the land, taking money from wannabees and serving the true customers it sells to, and the land that they use.
If you have found yourself in a rut and bemoaning that your favorite band isn't cool anymore because they got popular then perhaps time for the oldest solution to our new problem.
Do something new, pave the way to new areas, make room for those getting started at the old stomping grounds.
If you feel that you're ready to move on- then do it!
Take a hike without looking up all the information you can on the internet. Pretend it's not there. Just go. Don't buy the guidebook, don't take the best gear. So what if you get a ticket, your fault for not going far enough away to avoid one. Get a crappy state map at a rest area and call it good enough.
Go to a place that no one has been, inspire others to follow you there.
Hike faster than ever before, hike in the winter, develop shorter routes, create local trails, be the Gene Espy of some random trail nobodies heard of or cares about, or just pack up 21 days of food and see what happens.
When someone asks advice on how to follow in your footsteps, take a deep breath. Recall you first trips, your first adventures- even if they no longer seem that adventurous- and encourage others to storm the trails en masse. It was once an adventure to you, rest assured it's an adventure for them too. Everyone remembers their first time, their first love.
Yar, I ain't nobody special. Just a liar who wishes a little I could say I'm burned out on the trails, that I've been there and done that.
I go on long trails because I used to take trips like that, where a USGS map, a sketchy spot to park the car, and a vague notion of what lay ahead were the extent of my preparations. Where I carried two days of extra food precisely because I had no idea when I would reach the next town or who had the best pizza when I got there. Or even if I would reach the town at all. Those are my memories, my first trips, the source of my wanderlust. The long trails still fascinate me, call me. But if they don't call you maybe you should seek to travel them free of the burden of information. There is nothing worse to an adventurer than knowing precisely what is around the bend.
The AT was actually one of the first trips I took with a guidebook. It kinda sucked. I sent them home and just kept the maps. I didn't know what was in the next town and I didn't want to. Or I got the beta from my fellow hikers as I went when I felt like asking, sometimes I'd shush my fellow traveler before they could share. Maybe you're more like me, and no grand plans or triple crown lie around the corner for you. Or your vacation is short and a long trail is a safe bet.
Any of us can leave it to chance. Any hike, no matter your resume, experience, or plans can be an adventure.
Don't line up the shuttle, tear out the pages from AWOL's guide, or read every thread about the best way to hike from Harpers to Duncannon. Carry a full 3L of water and let it be a mystery if the trail will provide, or when you come back tell the tale of the time it didn't. Find adventure in the trips you can take. Fill your pack with all the food you can carry and go for it, pretend there is no town, ignore that it takes exactly 4 bars 3 snacks, 2 dinners and 1 lunch because you can get a hot dog here or an ice cream cone there and resupply after 46.35 miles before you take on the next 35.62. Even if you're no Swami, Skurka, Trauma, or Pepper- you can still find adventure on any trail.
And if you are somebody- be somebody.
Put up a route, help a hiker discover a trail, lead the way to the next spot that others will seek out after they've cut their teeth. And be onto the next before they arrive. Cheer every hiker swarming your favorite trail and rest assured it's now in good hands, your child grew up. Wave goodbye and visit from time to time. Go find the next trail that needs a friend. Be an ambassador for the Earth.
I don't think we have any problems really- only the oldest solution known to man- the curiosity to see what is around the next bend.
Lead the way; even if you have no idea where the hell you're going.
An old solution to a new problem...
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