Signs from the Thru Hiking Gods

Hi All,

I’m Rhys, nice to meet ya. Sorry it took me so long to get some words up here but I’ve been busy with a recent move, work, and all that other life stuff. Plus, I’m really lazy. I’ll be better from here on out. Pinky promise.

I’ve noticed something recently when I tell people that I’m planning (hoping) to hike the Trail. I haven’t yet actually had someone say something along the lines of “holy crap man, you’re crazy.” Or perhaps I imagined a smile and a sympathetic “that sounds cool, bud,” while they shake their head. In fact, it’s been just the opposite. Most people are actually genuinely excited. My supervisor, who I just told a few days ago, said “Wow, this is a first. That’s great, man!” My favorite response so far has been, at a local watering hole, “DUDE! FUCKING YES!” Even my doctor, a stern older gentleman who looks just like Martin Landau, said, in his somber voice, “that’s terrific, really great.” And his name is Mortimer, for heaven’s sake.

I was thinking about these reactions recently and joking with a friend about how, surely, this must be a sign from the Thru Hiking Gods.

Then I received a few others.

In an effort to save money for the hike/adventure/escape attempt, I decided I’d be a super cool city guy and trade in my train pass for a bike. While walking around the college campus I work at I happened to pass a local shop with a small selection of used bikes set up out front. “Perfect,” says I, before seeing the going price of a decent road bike and feeling my hopes and finances collapse under the burden of Katahdin.

I stepped inside anyway and chatted away with the manager about what to look for in a used bike, and other secrets to combat the perils of craigslist, before the reason of my thrift came up.

“Really? I hiked the AT a few years ago.”

After more chatting about gear, he gave me his card and told me that if I ever pick up a bike he would look it over for me for free.

smiley-1385615_960_720

As It Happens

Rewind: Several years ago, when a long distance thru hike was still just a fantasy of mine, I discovered a fantastic documentary about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail by As It Happens Creative. Folks, if you haven’t watched this, you really should. It’s by far the best documentary on not just hiking, but experiencing the PCT; and it’s completely free on YouTube.

I must have watched this at least a dozen times. It just resonated with me. I suggested friends watch it. My coworkers. Hiking buddies. Anyone who would listen.

Trail Magic?

A day or two after leaving the bike shop I was hiking with my pup through a large park near my apartment. Armed with the knowledge of both impending darkness and a fridge recently stocked with octoberfest, I decided to take a side trail back home. Just then, I saw my pup’s ears perk up, prompting me to turn around and behold two brown dogs bounding on down the path, followed by the glorious mane that belongs to Andy Laub, none other than the founder and director of As It Happens Creative.

LOOK AT IT

LOOK AT IT

Turns out he’s a super guy who was totally cool with having his evening run ruined by a starstruck oaf, and he spent the next half hour or so walking with me and chatting about all things thru hiking. It was a great surprise to bump into him and has me even more excited to get this show on the road.

 

The Thru Hiking Gods have spoken.

 

*photo courtesy of Andy Laub

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Comments 2

  • Marsha Robinson : Mar 17th

    Awesome stories and love his writing!!!

    Reply

What Do You Think?