The Art of Adventure
In 2016-17, I completed a Thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. I chose to do a flip-flop hike, which in my case meant I started in the middle at Harper's Ferry, WV hiked to Maine, then returned to the middle and headed south to Georgia.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail was the best decision I have made, and taught me a lot about myself and others.
Here are 15 things I learned on my hike:
Appreciate the little things.
Running water, electricity outlets and a soft bed are all luxuries on the trail. This just means you appreciate them more when you have access to them!
Whether it is a day when you feel like you are flying down the trail, or a struggle make it another half mile, every step is an accomplishment. They add up quicker than you will realize!
Other hikers are AMAZING!
The friends I made on the trail were all unique and wonderful people. Even though many had been hiking for months to reach the point I started, they were incredibly welcoming and willing to help me adjust to trail life.
Enough said.
That noise you hear is probably not a bear...
...but it may be a skunk or a porcupine looking for a snack
Early to bed, early to rise.
Hiker "midnight" is 9 pm. It is not uncommon to fall asleep while it's still light out after a long day of hiking. All the better to wake up with the sun and get going!
It is okay to take candy from strangers
Trail magic has the ability to change the entire outlook of a day. Multiple times complete strangers offered a snack, treat or ride into town. Always unexpected, always appreciated. Thanks to all who have ever acted as Trail Angels!
Not every day is sunshine and summits
There were days when I was sore, tired and not in the mood to hike. It is a challenge to remove the comforts from your daily life and choose to undertake a thru-hike, but working for the miles on those "bad" days makes them that much more rewarding in hind site.You'll also get some good stories! Take care of your body and take a day off if you feel rundown to the point of quitting. Most likely you will feel better with rest and energized to continue.
the trail in PA
Pizza motivates
Knowing there is hot food at the end of the day is a truly amazing thing.
Embrace the stink
Hiking hygiene is not usually a pretty picture. It's not pleasant to wear the same smelly, likely damp clothes day after day. But the stink means you are working hard towards your goal. So, "you stink!" is sort of a compliment!
Hiking is not simple
Although hiking simplifies a lot of things, and you have a lot of time to think while walking, resupplying food, maintaining gear and getting to the night campsite can be stressful. Take your time to enjoy the sights along the way.
It's okay to butt slide
One of the first things I learned on trail was risk management. There were many things in the woods that made me uncomfortable. I learned there is no shame in sitting on the trail and scooting to get down steep descents unbroken.
My body is amazing (and yours is too!)
When I started hiking, the idea of 10 miles a day was daunting. Then in a few short weeks, that became an easy day. On trail you will continually be amazed at what you can accomplish as your body becomes stronger and takes you to new places.
I can do it!
I started the trip doubting pretty much everything about my plan. It was something I wanted to do, but there were so many things I knew I would need to learn to be successful. My confidence grew immensely with every day and every new situation taught me new skills. Plan and prepare for your hike as much as you can, but leave room for error and learning along the way. It's sometimes the best part of the adventure!
