Date: 2007-09-04
From: South Arm Road, Black Brook

To: Sabbath Day Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Most young women who plan to hike the AT solo don¢t remain so and become attached to a hiking companion relatively early on in their journeys, the phenomenon of trail romance. I have heard that many of these trail romances do indeed translate into committed and long-term relationships back in the real world, for if a couple can make it work on the trail, where they spend 24/7 together, see each other at their smelly worst, really get to know one another, they can make it work back in the ¢real¢ world. There are reports of quite a few engagements on the top of Mount Katahdin, with happily ever afters in the ensuing years.I understand why and how it happens. The notion of the trail is romantic -- imaginative but impractical, visionary but unrealistic, imbued with idealism and a desire for adventure. The display or expression of love or strong affection is bound to follow. Besides, women alone on the trail feel safer and more protected in the presence of men. It¢s easy to become infatuated with the strength and persona of our beloved mountain men. I admit, by this point, that I find bearded, smelly men quite sexy and attractive, my new image of what a true man should be. Every woman, deep down, just wants to be loved, despite the fact that she traipses all over the planet solo.Personally, for this journey, I didn¢t want anything to do with a trail romance, as I told myself time and again before setting out for Georgia in March, with a number of justifications. I gave up a lot to undertake this journey and I didn¢t want anything to distract me from my goal. I believed a trail romance would do just that. I sought to make my own decisions based on what was best for me, and not have to consider anyone else¢s needs and wants along the way. I knew the trail would be emotionally challenging in and of itself, and I didn¢t care to deal with any additional self-imposed emotional challenges if I could avoid them. I needed to remain strong, independent, focused, and motivated if I wanted to make it to Katahdin. I came out here to hike, and not get sidetracked along the way. Although the hikers around me are fabulous human beings, quite possibly the best I have ever known, I did not come out here to meet a man. No ifs, ands, or buts. Yes, I¢ve had a few offers, and no, it¢s not because I think I¢m great. It¢s because I am a female surrounded by guys who have been in the woods way too long. Any female in such a situation would receive such offers. How can a smart female distinguish between genuine statements like ¢I really like you¢ and animalistic instincts that emerge in ¢no, but I really like you¢ from being in the woods too long with little or no female contact? I didn¢t want to try to decipher these statements and rather turned down the offers, not that I wasn¢t interested, by responding with, ¢but I don¢t want to get involved with anyone on the trail.¢ I adored the guys I met on the trail, but didn¢t want to invite confusion or awkwardness or unfulfilled promises or anything other than a level of friendship between hiking buddies. And that¢s final.miles remaining 229.4