The Evolution of a Thru Hiker
The Beginning
We all started somewhere. Some on Springer Mountain in Georgia, some on Katahdin in Maine, some at Harper’s Ferry, WV and some at some random point on the trail. The starting point location isn’t the important part but that first step is what changes us. There are thru hikers, section hikers, day hikers and I’ve actually seen people just step onto the trail just to say they’ve been on it. Thru hikers are a different group of hikers. The length of time on trail is crazy to the average person. They say it takes four to six months to complete the trail. I’m personally one that has been out here for six months. Living out of a backpack for months at a time takes a special person. We do not start that way. In the movie Castaway, Tom Hank’s character is stranded on an island. In the beginning he cannot build a fire or catch a fish but by the end of his time on that island he is a changed man! He’s slim and eats the fish raw! That is similar to the evolution of a thru hiker! Most hikers start out with some hiking knowledge, although some I’ve met have little to none. By the end of our journey we will have mastered the trail, our gear and life on trail. We have established our routines and embraced our dirty, kinda always smelly lives. We are thru hikers.
Close to the End
I am currently 113 miles from my finish. I will be cruising into Front Royal, Virginia in a handful of days. I am perpetually exhausted and hungry despite what I eat. I have traveled almost 2100 miles and I’m a changed person. I kinda have a little arrogance going on right now. I didn’t feel it before but recently I feel more invincible. I’ve walked over 2000 miles and crossed so many mountains, rivers and rocks that now I look at the elevation map and think, oh yeah it’s a little up and down. Section hikers have warned me of the Rollercoaster in Virginia, then realize that I’ve done the Whites so it really isn’t a big deal. People also assume that I’m a sobo hiker and ask when I started and how far south am I going to go. That’s when they hear that I’m a flip flop almost freaking done thru hiker!
Food
I have to get one more resupply, I eat so much that it’s easier not to carry more than a few days of food plus who wants to carry that much food ever??!! Speaking of food…..imagine doing resupply shopping for months? Thru hikers don’t always get a grocery store for shopping . Sometimes it’s a gas station or convenience store or some kind of a hostel store. Now don’t buy oatmeal, Pop Tarts, mashed potatoes, and a handful of other foods because you literally have eaten them for months and just can’t anymore! Those are just a few foods that I can’t do anymore but I know other hikers that have a longer list of things that they don’t eat anymore. Hikers mix foods and eat combinations of things that most folks would never imagine but boredom breeds imagination! Think ramen bomb…ramen, tuna and mashed potatoes for example.
I have also lost about 45 pounds since I started so I’m incredibly skinny. My selection of loaner clothes at hostels has changed. I used to grab size large but now I struggle to find the smalls! My own clothes which I refused to switch out are absolutely huge on me! I use my pack to help hold up my shorts and my puffy hangs off me. I’m sure I will put some weight back on but I’m determined to keep most of it off!
The Finality of It All
Later this week I will walk into Front Royal and I will finish. No last mountain to climb with a plaque or sign to take a last photo of myself. No group of hikers to celebrate with or to congratulate. Just me in the parking lot of the 4H center which is where I flipped back in early July. This end point is one I picked. It may not be the best end point but it’s mine. This journey is one of selfish indulgence. We spend months doing our thing. It is a journey that is usually not shared. Most of us are out here alone. That’s actually one of the most common questions I get asked! Are you hiking alone? Yes, and to answer the second most common question, no I don’t carry a gun. Anyway, back to my selfish indulgence…….I’ve spent over six months out here alone. My husband waiting patiently for me, my newest granddaughter growing like a weed already over five months old and the older granddaughter thinking her grandma just lives in the woods now. And my life, my work sitting by the wayside as I hike. Why did I hike?? Not sure I have an answer for that question but I can tell you that it was an amazing time that I wouldn’t trade for anything. The people I’ve met, the places I’ve seen and, hoping not to sound like Dr Seuss, the things I’ve done! So folks as this last week slips by I’m enjoying the moments. The sunrises and sunsets. The stars in the dark sky. The leaves changing and autumn arriving. The moments when I stop and just enjoy the solitude of the woods and the trail. Until the weekend, I’ll be the one racing down the trail enjoying everything I can.
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Comments 2
I’m so proud of your accomplishment!!!! I wish I could greet you at the parking lot with a GIANT banner for YOUR PERSONAL SUMMIT!!!!
You have DONE what I dream of!!! I’m smiling so hard for you.
I’m so afraid of open heights …I have watched trails widths before my eyes ( even though they really didn’t) and I turned around and inched back. I am going to reread ALL your posts and try to figure out how you walked through your fear.
Again, I’m so happy/ proud of you.
Happy Birthday Year to you!!
Woooooooohoooooo ( I’m cheering on my porch)
Julie
You have been a blast to follow, thanks for making the effort to share your adventure.
One of the most inspirational blogging AT hikers this year for sure!
Congrats!