">
Thru-Hikers are Everywhere!
So earlier last month I went to a art frame store to see about mounting my National Geographic map of the AT. I like looking at it, and am thinking that Linda and the rest of the family can follow Ian’s and my progress on the map next year. After I walked in, I realized the store was a little “artsy” and I was a little unsure of myself being in there with a poster of a trail rather than an oil painting.
I put it on the counter and as I unrolled, was apologetically telling the consultant, “this is probably an unusual request and something you haven’t seen before.” I did not get the response I expected.
Rather than looking down his nose at my idea of “fine art” He responded, “Oh, I’m very familiar with this.”
There was something about the way he said it and started staring at the map. “Did you hike it?”
“Yup.”
“The whole thing?”
At this point he paused for a minute and thought. “Well, I think so. We got to Katahdin Springs late – in October – and after waiting through four days of bad weather for them to let us climb it, I decided to go home. I had climbed Katahdin many times and already had pictures from the summit, so didn’t feel I needed to climb it again. I suppose it’s technically not a thru-hike but I think of it that way.”
I have to admit, I do too.
So instead of a quick exchange with someone who I expected to look down their artistic nose at me and my poster, I spent a considerable amount of time talking about the trail with him. He started with a group of nine friends. By North Carolina only five of them were left. One more dropped off due to injury, and four of them made it to Katahdin. He’s thinking of doing it again with his friend’s son, who plans to hike it after his graduation.
I never asked him his trail name, but at the end of our conversation, he said, “If you want to talk about your plans or ask about my experiences, come on back and ask for me. My name is Ian.”
Imagine that. A thru-hiker, and he has the same name as my son. Amazing – you never know where you’ll run into a thru-hiker!
My map. I hope Linda likes it as much as I do….
lead image: Christine Lam
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 1
I’m kinda late here to the party but that isn’t out of the norm either. I’ve been reading some of the NOBO blogs as that is what I’m hoping to do. I don’t know what the make or break point is for the SOBO hikers but I’m guessing it’s long before PA (your most current post). I like your writing style, like that your son is with you (mine likes camping but not backpacking), and I like that you’re making a go at it when even older than I am. I worry about my knees.
Anywho, I’d like to know if you (or any of your followers) has found a “correct” A.T. map? I am very particular when it comes to maps. I’ve loved them since I can remember. Following along on the paper atlas on road trips from the back seat. Since about 5 I can’t remember NOT having it in my lap and being upset when whomever was driving wanted to use it. Back off, it’s mine!! I’ll let you know when it’s time for an exit. Back to the A.T. map, I’ve seen yours plenty of times but I’ve yet to see a decent scale map with north at the top. That is what I’m looking for. Preferably with a large enough scale to have all of the shelters labeled on it. If that makes it a 6’x8′ map all the better!!!