Hakuna Matata and Flip-Flop Hikes: Pumbaa Returns to the Trail

“Hakuna Matata. It means no worries.” – The Lion King

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I’m Back!

We are back on trail, baby!

I picked up around mile 355, just north of Erwin, Tennessee, with the plan to head northbound and then flip-flop back south after reaching Katahdin. This whole ordeal has been a GIANT change in plans—but like I’ve said before, this is a hike-delayer, not a hike-ender. Coming back has definitely required a major shift in perspective.

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Trail Name Reflections

I’ve been thinking a lot about my trail name during this time off trail. Early suggestions included Airflow and Belch (yes, for self-explanatory reasons), but they never quite clicked.

Then came Pumbaa, gifted by Mothra during my first week on trail—and that one just nailed it.

Whenever I’m asked which movie character I relate to most (not favorite, BIG distinction), I always say Chewbacca. Loud, hairy, a little smelly, but always willing to lend a hand. Chewie isn’t the guy with the plan—but people are stoked when he shows up.

Pumbaa brings those same vibes: the supportive sidekick with a loud laugh and zero shame. And yes, the burping and farting helps make the name even more fitting.

Before the AT, I was part of a different wilderness community with its own trail naming process—think adjectives, nouns, group votes. I was named Joyful Wildfire for my passionate and positive energy. But getting a trail name on the AT is different—less formal, but no less meaningful.

Oddly enough, embracing Pumbaa has helped me navigate some of the real challenges that have shown up on this hike.

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Hakuna Matata

I have yet to meet someone on trail who doesn’t sing along to “Hakuna Matata.” And honestly, the message has never been more applicable.

I couldn’t control when I got back on trail. Obsessing over my injury wasn’t going to speed up healing. In therapy, I help clients work through anxiety by focusing on what’s within their control. During my break, I had to take that advice myself—classic therapist’s dilemma.

Never thought The Lion King would be my greatest teacher out here, but hey… here we are 🤷‍♂️

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Reconnecting

Coming back, I worried I’d struggle to find connection again. The first couple days, I mostly hiked and camped alone. It was quiet—too quiet—and I started to think maybe this stretch would be more of a solo journey.

Then I ran into Shimmy, who I had hiked with at the start of the trail. Total surprise—and a very welcome one! Not long after, I linked up with other hikers around the next hostel, and that spark of community came right back.

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Imposter Syndrome on Trail

I’m no stranger to imposter syndrome. That “I’m a fraud and people will find out” voice shows up regularly in my therapy work—and now, it’s followed me into the woods.

At mile 400, my inner critic got loud: “Yeah, but you haven’t done nearly as much as the other NOBOs. You haven’t REALLY done 400. Faker.”

Comparison, as they say, is the thief of joy. And it’s real out here.

Thankfully, this community is incredibly supportive! I’ve heard over and over that a flip-flop is still a thru-hike. It doesn’t make the experience any less meaningful.

(Also yes, Hakuna Matata is 100% saved in my Spotify)

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Injury Paranoia

Another mental battle? Constant paranoia about re-injury. I’m trying to stay grounded in what I can control—gear, pace, breaks—but it’s hard not to hyper-fixate on every little ache or twinge.

It’s a work in progress. But just like with anxiety off-trail, awareness is the first step toward staying present.

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Into Town + Aqua Blaze Plans

Today we’re in town! I’m hiking with Shimmy and Flavortown, and we’re all glad to be missing the storms rolling in tonight.

We’re taking a zero day tomorrow, and then we’ll aqua blaze—canoeing a section of the trail. Perfect timing, as my knees have definitely taken a beating. A little water therapy is just what the doctor ordered.

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Final Thoughts

Overall, I’m feeling really positive. Anxious but excited—that seems to be the name of the game.

It’s not the journey I imagined, but it’s the one I’m on. And right now, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Pumbaa Out 🐗