Trial by Fire VS a Peaceful Walk in the Woods

Trial by Fire VS a Peaceful Walk in the Woods: a comparison of two experiences of the first 100 miles.

2023

An introduction through fire

The most obvious difference between both years relates to how I got my trail name.

My first night on the AT itself, I was severely burned. I was sitting across from another hiker who was boiling water. Either by a gust of wind, a gentle tapping of the side, or some combination of both, the pot spilled right onto my ankle. The horrible second degree burn and my decision to keep on walking earned me the trail name “Hot Foot.”

There were no thru-hikers

Because I was a late starter last year (May 8), I ended up only hiking with section hikers. I met three other thru hikers in the entire first 100 miles. And I didn’t hike with any of them. One dropped out at the NC border, one got a knee injury early on, and the third was content to do 30 mile days from the start.

Instead, I largely hiked with section hikers. Overall, I have found that section hikers help you appreciate the trail in front of you; thru-hikers help you appreciate the journey you’re on. The large numbers of sectioners really helped me appreciate Georgia and the southern 20 miles of NC.

Took it a little slower overall

All of my initial research pointed to two simple ideas: 1) the trail is very hard 2) go slow or overuse injury will take you out. So, I planned on going as slow as possible and ramp up over time through the first 300 miles or so. This became particularly essential when my ankle started cosplaying as Darth Vader. Between washing it twice a day, keeping it wrapped, dry, and having to literally hike slower to avoid pain, I found a slower pace challenging enough. I took a bit of rest, including a zero and nero.

This rested pace helped me feel surprisingly good from the top of Georgia (mile 69) through the next 30 miles.

The weather

It was end of spring, almost summer when I started at Amicalola Falls. The green tunnel was full and luscious and everything it had been hyped up to be. All of the trees were filled with beautiful deep green leaves.

My first long distance hike ever

When I hit Springer Mountain, I was beyond ecstatic. Everything was novel. Every landmark unfamiliar, every view special, every road crossing a mystery.

All of this excitement made for a “smiles not miles” mentality. I wanted to soak up every last experience I could on this awesome journey.

2024

This time, there was no horrible accident that threatened to take me off trail or worse.

There are so many thru hikers out here

I have seen a comparable number of thru hikers in the first 100 miles this year as I did in over 600 last year. The trail is really just brimming with people.

Took it a little faster overall

I wasn’t breaking any records, but I did the first 100 miles two days faster this time. A family event compeled me to get to NC as fast as possible.

The first half was easier- no burn, much less pack weight, and a plethora of familiar terrain. The second half felt much harder than last year. The more aggressive pace caused more wear and tear on my body. By the time I summitted Mt Albert’s fire tower, I was exhausted and hurting.

Midspring

This year, I summitted Springer Mountain on April 21st- three weeks earlier. The seasonal differences were very apparent.

There is a baby green tunnel. The leaves on the tops of the trees, especially at 3000+ ft have barely come in, if it all. Going uphill is like going back in time. It’s winter on the summit and spring in the valley. The baby tunnel allows for direct sunlight to hit the forest floor. It makes for a very cinematic experience. I can see every leaf, bush, and twig.

The heat from the direct sunlight forced me to take frequent breaks and drink lots of water. While summiting Standing Indian in NC, I was darting between shadows to try and stay out of the harsh rays.

My favorite part of the season has been the flowers. There are spring flowers galore. So many trees have flowers in so many beautiful colors and styles. I found out that moss can flower. Much of the trail is flanked on either side by moss. And, it’s all blooming. The trail is flanked on both sides by thousands of tiny blue and yellow flowers, sticking up from the moss.

My third time starting a long distance trail and second time on the AT

The novelty of long-distance has worn off a little. It’s still a blast, but I definitely appreciate the smaller things less than I did before.

I feel more goal-oriented than experience oriented. I find myself making miles more aggressively without trying. Sometimes, I have to force myself to stop, slow down, and smell the roses.

In 2023, it was a Smiles not miles kind of experience. In 2024, it’s a Smiles over miles experience. The difference is small, but noticeable. Essentially, I am more willing to make sacrifices to the experience in pursuit of the larger goal.