Date: 2013-06-08
From: Delaware Water Gap (Pocono Inn)

To: Delaware Water Gap (Pocono Inn)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Wow, I realized this morning that today marks my 3 month anniversary of walking the trail. It has been the adventure of a lifetime, without a doubt.Today is also the day for Mt. Abraham Union High School's graduation back in Vermont. This is the first time in my 13 years working at Mt. Abe that I haven't been involved with graduation and it feels strange. A shout out to my Mt. Abe friends - I'm thinking of you all!I'm trying to make this a real zero day, so I'm not moving too far. Fortunately Delaware Water Gap isn't that big of a town, so the distractions are limited. I've eaten some good food, checked out the outfitter's, and taken a short morning nap. I was excited to see a Farmer's Market advertised and walked up there only to find there were just two vendors selling gourmet dog biscuits and jewelry. I learned it was the first attempt at a Farmer's Market, and I'd say the organizers really need to attract some produce vendors!Since I'm not walking the trail today and I have some time, I want to pose the question that I've been pondering for the last almost 1,300 miles: where are the women thruhikers? This is a frequent topic of conversation among hikers, particularly the men. I knew when I started my hike that the male/female ratio would be skewed, but not to this degree.The largest demographic for hikers seems to be the 20 to 25 year old males. Actually, I'd say most frequently seen are the recent college graduates who aren't yet tied down to a career. There are also some women who fall into this category, although I'd say the ratio among this age group is probably at least 4 males to every female. Then there are those men who have retired and now have the chance to hike. There also seem to be a fair number of retired military personnel (men) who are in their 40's. With a few exceptions, any women I've met on the trail over the age of 30 aren't thruhiking but are working on a section.A few weeks back I was at a shelter (with all men) and we were discussing this topic. I believe it was Tommyhawk and Goat who suggested that I could finance my entire AT hike if I created an online dating service for thruhikers. We had fun imagining what a typical male profile might say: "Thin, bearded man seeking female companionship. Enjoys long walks in the woods and eating ramen noodles cooked over an MSR Pocket Rocket. Able to put down a half gallon of ice cream in under an hour. Enjoys a shower every 4 to 5 days but not too hung up on personal hygiene. Minimalist lifestyle a plus." I have a hunch that this male dominated long distance hiking phenomenon starts in childhood. In all the miles I've hiked I have yet to see a group of Girl Scouts on the trail. I have passed countless groups of Boy Scouts, always accompanied by plenty of dads, but no girls. Perhaps the ATC needs to launch a "take your daughter on a hike" campaign?I don't know where I'm going with this, but if you're the parent of a daughter, think about taking her on an overnight backpacking trip. I hiked with both of our kids, but only day hikes. My daughter Hannah (no trailname yet), who is quite a skilled outdoorswoman, will be joining me for a few days this week. I mentioned to her that there are lots of amazing single men on the trail and she informed me that if she was "ever in the midst of a romantic crisis" maybe she'd consider a thruhike. Not holding my breath on that one...For all you women reading this, you can do it. Do the research, get out there and try it out, and if you like backpacking, go for it. Prior to this hike the longest I'd ever backpacked was an eight day section on the Long Trail. Remember, Grandma Gatewood was the first woman to thruhike the AT, and she did so in 1955 at the age of 67. She completed her hike wearing Keds sneakers, and carrying a bag made from a shower curtain over her shoulder. Now what's not to like about that?Today's highlight: taking a break.