Date: 2013-06-27
From: Harpers Ferry, ATC visitors center

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0

During my time off the trail I spent some time reflecting . . . Why are you hiking the trail?There isn't one reason - it's a tapestry of reasons. I lived in Georgia for most of my life have hiked most of the GA section as a young man. I moved to Maine 3 years ago and climbed Mt. Katahdin (northern terminus) last summer. I've always had it in the back of my mind that I'd like to hike the whole thing sometime. I hung a map of the entire AT in my office to help keep the dream alive and help me keep my perspective at work. I've always enjoyed outdoor activities including backpacking and camping but have not had much time for either in recent years. The juices really starting flowing last summer when Anita and I picked up 3 thru hikers in Maine and ran them into town and back to the trailhead. At that time I hadn't even heard of trail magic. Hiking the trail is a good match for my personality. My approach to life has always been very steady and I work methodically toward my goals. I enjoy a challenge and its fascinating for me to meet new people and understand what makes them tick. All of these personal characteristics are well suited for the trail. I would be less than honest if I didn't say that it is appealing to me to be part of a small group of long distance hikers who have accomplished a thru hike of the AT. Most years only twenty something percent of hikers actually achieve their goal. I'd like to be part of that group. In summary, I'm hiking the trail to fulfill a long held dream, my love of the outdoors, and for the personal challenge. Do you carry a gun?I included this question because its probably the most common question I'm asked by the non-hiking community. The simple answer is no. It's too much weight and there no need. What do you like best about hiking the AT?By far it is the community on the trail. This has been a pleasant surprise to me. I love the way hikers share and look out for each other. The interesting and colorful characters have enriched my life. One specific aspect of the community that I enjoy is the equality of the trail. Age, gender, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, etc, have very little to do with success or happiness on the trail. One day in a shelter I met a personal injury attorney who was struggling with what he wanted to do with his life and career. Our conversation wasn't long but I felt like I connected with him in a meaningful way. In real life it is highly likely that our chosen professions would have created an adversarial relationship. Because of the equality of the trail we were just two hikers who shared honestly and weren't bound by social pressures or societal norms. The community of support surrounding the trail has been awesome as well . . . unexpected trail magic given so freely, reconnecting with my old friend Brian, Lee driving driving up from Athens, Bob and Kim opening their house and hearts, reconnecting with Doug - a high school classmate. It's too much to list everything and everyone but each experience has been humbling and gratifying. Some of my other favorite things are just being outside (especially sleeping outside). If I'm honest with myself I enjoy the camping more than the distance hiking. I like the overall adventure of the trail - I never know what the day holds for me or what's around the next turn in the trail. The overall fitness I have achieved is also very satisfying. Last but not least, I am treasuring the time with Hat Trick. Having the time to have relaxed, sometimes superficial and sometimes in depth conversations, has been deeply meaningful to me. Even the daily activities of camp chores and trail coordination are fun with him. What do you like least about hiking the AT?This one is easy: 1) being away from and often out of contact with Anita and other family and friends, 2) thunderstorms, 3) rocky trails. What have been your favorite places?Max Patch, the entire Roan Mountain area, the Virginia Highlands, Hot Springs NC, Woods Hole Hostel, and Fullhardt Knob just north of Dalesville was one of my favorite camping sites. The weather was nice enough to sleep without the rain fly and I could see the sunset and sunrise while lying in my tent. There are lots of other places I could mention but those are the ones that come to mind immediately. Do you ever think about quitting?This may surprise you, but yes I often think about quitting. Pain, loneliness, frozen boots, boredom, being soaked to the bone . . . all kinds of things make me think about it. I usually acknowledge the feeling and let it pass. Often I will encounter a view, a person, or a milestone that will energize me and keep me going. Tomorrow I will be back on the trail!