I Got My Trail Name, and Other Random Updates

So what exactly is a trail name? Well, basically, it’s just a fun name that you go by while you are hiking on the trail. Normally it comes from a special event that happened to you while on the trail, or is a representation of a small part of your personality.

There are a lot of different opinions on trail names. Some people don’t like them, some people say you can’t name yourself, some people can hike a thousand miles with someone and never actually know their real name.

They also seem to change over the years. When you meet people who hiked back in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, you get trail names like Rain or Full Moon,  names that are really naturey and deep. You still hear a couple of those kinds of names today, but a lot of the time you’ll hear anything from Mud Butt to Tomato to Trench Foot. They can be gross, inappropriate, and even a little raunchy.

It took me awhile before I got my trail name. I thought about naming myself at first, but I realized I would never be able to pick one that felt right so I left it up to the people of the trail to decide for me.

I liked the idea of someone else naming me, but I knew I wouldn’t accept it unless it felt right. And I got a lot of suggestions before I finally settled.

Puddin’ Cup

Marshmallow

Giraffe

Just KD

Tip Toes

Legs

Ice Dragon

Beauty?

My special friend KD

After 100 miles nothing seem to feel right. And by this point I already suggested three names for other people.

One was on my second day of the trail. This guy was handing out bear jerky at one of the shelters, and the next morning I accidentally called him that Bear Meat guy. I told my friend Sara, whom I started with, to maybe go by Shivers since she is always cold. And when I saw my friend Lauren’s bumblebee pin on her pack–a token from her mom–I told her I thought it would be nice if she went by Bumblebee.

I was already three weeks in with no trail name, thinking I would never get one until one night I met this kid named Beast. We were around the fire, telling stories, and laughing way too hard. And for anyone who has ever met me, you’ll know that I have a naturally high-pitched voice, and when I laugh really hard and try to talk, well…

“We can’t understand what you are saying! You are not making words you are just squeaking!” Beast yelled at me. And for the rest of the night he continued to call me Squeaks.

So that’s it. People won’t really understand unless they make me laugh really hard, but I think that is what makes it so great.

People have been asking me some recurring questions, so I figured I’d just answer some here in this post as well.

But before I start I just want to let everyone know that I am in Damascus and got new shoes so I should be getting into those 20-mile days soon. Yay!

Time for Questions

How heavy is your pack?

About 35 pounds with full resupply of food and water.

Do you shower?

I shower in town, so about once a week. Also, no one ever carries deodorant out here, we all just embrace the smell. Sometimes I’ll wipe my face and body down with a baby wipe, though.

How many pairs of underwear do you have?

Just two, and one sports bra.

 How many miles do you hike a day?

Right now anywhere from 12 to 15. Ten or 11 miles is considered an easy day.

 Are you hiking alone?

Nope. I have a tramily, which is a group of people I hike and go into town with. Sometimes I hike alone, and sometimes I talk to them while I hike

 What’s the best part of the trail?

The people. 

What’s the worst part of the trail?

My feet kind of hurt.

 So… you poop in the woods?

Yeah, and it’s great. Way cleaner than any public restroom

 What’s your first thought when you wake up?

Ugh, I have to pee. And I am hungry

 What’s the last thought you have before bed?

Lol, it is only 8 p.m.  and everyone is asleep.