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Fall 7 Times, Stand up 8
If you happened to read thru my bio, you’ll see that I completed my first thru-hike in 2012 – a Southbound hike of the Appalachian Trail.
What you don’t know is it wasn’t my first attempt.
In 2007 a friend of mine posted on social media that they wanted to hike something called the AT – and did anyone want to come with? I did a little research, read Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods” (probably my favorite hiking book ever TBH), and replied to my friend that I was highly interested.
We met several times to discuss, pour over gear ideas & purchases, and bought plane tickets to Maine.
You can prepare all you like for an epic undertaking, but really you won’t know the depth of the mud you’re stuck in until you’re um, IN it. I had outdoor experience with camping and being in the backcountry – loads of it actually. Once upon a time I was a wilderness canoe guide in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota, and the Provincial Parks in Canada.
But I had never been HIKING.
When my friend and I arrived in Maine after a night’s rest at a trail angel’s/hostel – we were on our way to Baxter State Park – to hike Mount Katahdin. I remember being anxious, excited, and all the things that race thru one’s mind prior to a big undertaking. Before we got out of the trail angel’s truck, he gave us his card with instructions to “call if you need anything – don’t hesitate to reach out.” Absentmindedly I tucked it away as a keepsake for my journal, little realizing I would be needing it.
We hiked Katahdin that day, having gotten to the Park early with the forecast predicting sunshine. It was a glorious day. I didn’t even mind or experience frustration at the several false summits. We took pictures at the peak and made our way down to camp in the Park. Halfway down the mountain, after trying to match my friend’s downhill pace (this is where I made a grave error – ALWAYS hike at your own pace!) I could tell something was very, very wrong with my left knee.
When I finally made it to camp, I quickly set up my tent, and passed out.
In the morning, I woke with the realization I couldn’t bend my left knee.
Upon standing and packing up my gear I also discovered I couldn’t bear much weight on it either. Limping, I made it as far as the edge of what is known as the “Hundred Mile Wilderness” where a diabolical wooden sign essentially read: “Death to all who enter here” (well, not actually in those words specifically but you get my drift)
There was a small convenience store with a pay phone that we had just passed. I looked at my friend and made the decision I knew was best for the situation. I wished them luck, said goodbye, pulled out the trail angel’s card, and made a call. After a couple days of rest, icing my knee, and rounds of ibuprofen, I knew my injury was one that would take some time to heal.
I flew home the next day, absolutely devastated.
Did I go back and hike it 5 years later? And then hike even more trails? You bet your sweet ass I did.
Never stop exploring. Embrace the suck. I. Believe. In. YOU. kk ily <3
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Comments 7
A good friend, who had a sadly traumatic past, tried to get off drugs 35 times before finally getting clean. Keep trying, no matter how many times you fall. Onward.
Never. Give. Up. Ralph!
Good gracious! You bet your ass I needed this article! Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Ian! You are so welcome my friend. I believe in you!
Hi Starfish
Good luck on your continued hiking journeys for 2025. You got this! Will be following along on trek.co as I just had hip replacement surgery and needed something to read. So here I am saying hello and rooting for you 👏👏👏💯. Your entries & photos are awesome and look forward to reading more.
One of my tramily members (AT 2021- Cactus) will be on the PCT in 3 sections to finish her PCT this year including Chester CA. – Ashland OR. & I will let her know about you, and who knows, maybe you guys might meet & hike together? Happy Trails…
Cheers!
Rippin Reils
AT – 1980
LT – 1981
AT – 2021
PAW – 2023
Rippin’ Reils!
Thank you so much for the well wishes and following along! I’m touched you like my writing and I’m hoping for a speedy recovery for the hip. Reach out when you know Cactus’ timeline for Chester. I hope to meet her!
Cheers! And AT 1980?! Thank you for going before us and helping shape our thru-hiking dreams 🙂
Hey Starfish
Cactus was going to hike the AZT this year, but decided to finish the rest of the PCT she had left to complete her hike of the PCT.
I was wondering if you have ever heard of the Idaho Centennial Trail? 800 miles of some of the most rugged & remote wilderness in the U.S. and spectacular scenery in the country.
When you do the PNT- part of it is on the ICT in the “panhandle” part of the state.
Anyhoo, I’ll let Cactus 🌵 know about you and see if your paths cross 🙌.
Keep on hiking in the free world…
Cheers!
Rippin Reils