Because…Why not?

 

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I’m sure the most repetitive question prospective thru-hikers get, is simply “Why?”.

• “Why would you leave a promising career just to walk for months on end?”
• “Why do you want to hike for 2,000+ miles?”
• “Why would you willingly be cold, wet, tired, and sore just to see a few mountains?”
• “And Why now?”

At first, these answers may come easily, but the more I was queried, the more I asked myself the same thing. The conclusion I keep finding myself at is “Why Not?”.

I don’t have any major responsibilities.

Without a family to provide for, the world going to fall apart due to my absence (at least I hope it doesn’t).

I’m not drowning in debt.

Without car payments, mortgages, or outstanding loans, being out of work for so long won’t cripple me. In fact, I’ve been specifically saving my money for a while so that I could eventually attempt a thru-hike .

“I’m still young, my bones will heal!”

I’m constantly reminded my friends and family members that now is the time to go on any physicaly demanding expeditions. My joints may ache and creak now, but what will they be like in 25 or 50 years? I’ve heard of people hiking in their later years, but I’ve also seen 30 year olds bedridden from injuries. All that’s guaranteed is the present, and for now, I can still physicaly hike.

Plus, countless other reasons exist for why I will complete my thru-hike.

• The beauty of the trail
• A once in a lifetime adventure
• Building mental fortitude and self reliance
• Meeting other awesome people
• Following my dreams
• Pushing myself to the limits
• Self growth
• And of course, proving all the voices of doubt wrong

With no reason why I shouldn’t thru-hike this season, why put it off any longer?