not wanting to go back to the daily b.s. that is the "real world".Originally Posted by Walkaboutkay
WHAT KEPT YOU ON THE TRAIL?
"The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it always to be kept alive." -TJ
I kept going because my truck was parked in Maine.
Male 28 at Thru hike.
Female - 31 on first thruhike
Different things on different days kept me on the trail: sometimes it was curiosity about what was around the next corner, sometimes it was happiness at being in the natural world I love, sometimes it was pride - an unwillingness to admit I wasn't up to the task, sometimes it was the fact that I had little to go back home to - and I really hate looking for work.
After my first hike, I kept going back for other long distance treks because I discovered that I am most deeply happy while hiking, more aware and alive than in my ordinary life. And it definitely beats working.
I agree 100% with this one.
not wanting to separate myself from the hiking community I found myself in, which i felt happened once I climbed Katahdin
I remember having an overwhelming feeling that there's something happening in the present that I'm no longer a part of. That I'm no longer connected. That, I feel is a good reason to make a thru-hike last a long time.
One boot in front of the other for 2,175 miles!
What kept me on the trail
Once I got into trail shape, there wasn't anything that would make me quit. I just loved what I was doing sooooo much.
Grampie-N->2001
Pride
I told every single person I knew (including myself) that I was going to hike the trail. I would have died, or at least been crippled, before I'd stopped. Quitting was NOT an option.
A man said to the universe, "Sir, I exist."
"However", replied the universe, "that fact does not instill in me a sense of obligation."
Hopefully you had a good time of it, regardless. I can't imagine anyone would put up with months of misery to save face. 'Specially when most folks think you're mildly insane for even trying such a thing.
What kept me on the trail? The thought of coming back and being part of the machine.
a.k.a CHOP-CHOP
Stubborn, persistent, not knowing if I'd ever get another chance, Wanting to publish my journal and going all the way would make a better story than giving up.
man, i cursed every single hill and wanted to quit the Trail every day until even Maine. it was definitely having it set in my head that i was going to thru-hike 100% before i ever started that kept me going and what brought me back a year later when i had to quit in 04.
I think anyone who contemplates quitting should do thisand then resume hiking. Truth be told, I just wanted to post a "jump." I feel better now. Thank you for allowing me to get that out of my system.
Maybe later I'll post something more useful.
Last edited by emerald; 02-24-2007 at 08:23.
Experience
It WAS and incredible experience, although fun is not a term I would apply. It was hard work. And my knees and feet were in pretty bad shape by the time I finished. But to say you can't imagine anyone putting up with months of misery to save face means you don't understand men, or at least this man. When I say I'm going to do something, you can pretty much take it to the bank. I was programmed early on that if a man doesn't have his word, he has nothing.
A man said to the universe, "Sir, I exist."
"However", replied the universe, "that fact does not instill in me a sense of obligation."
Well... yeah maybe. What does your "word" matter when it's about finishing or not finishing a through hike? Is someone (except you) going to suffer as a consquence? But you're right, there are lots of things about "American males" I don't understand, like golf, NASCAR, professional sports, muscle cars, and so on. These things leave me totally baffled.
maybe you're a latent homothere are lots of things about "American males" I don't understand, like golf, NASCAR, professional sports, muscle cars, and so on. These things leave me totally baffled.
maybe you're a latent homo
At age 54, how much longer will I have to wait to find out?
Difference
Like you, I don't understand golf, NASCAR, muscle cars, and so on, however your statement what does ones' word mean about finishing or not shows the difference between us. I think it has everything to do with it. If you can't rely on my word, then what can you rely on? Nothing. I don't think that makes me a typical 'American Male', but rather an honest American Male. And I am damned proud to be both.Well... yeah maybe. What does your "word" matter when it's about finishing or not finishing a through hike? Is someone (except you) going to suffer as a consquence? But you're right, there are lots of things about "American males" I don't understand, like golf, NASCAR, professional sports, muscle cars, and so on. These things leave me totally baffled.
A man said to the universe, "Sir, I exist."
"However", replied the universe, "that fact does not instill in me a sense of obligation."
Agree with Papa Razzo. The Trail is where I wanted to be. I never woke up and thought about whether or not to bail. It was natural and felt normal to be there. Of course, I could have felt guilty about being away from home, but my wife supported me 100%, as did the many friends and family who followed my trip. In a sense, I was completing the trip for them, as well as me (99% me, 1% them, really!). Luckily, besides this support, I was blessed with good personal finances, a house without pending repair issues , a son off to college and doing well, and I got paid to work for the ATC while on trail, all contributed to my positive state-of-mind.
Tipper
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