Lessons from the trail

As I came to the close of my hike I began to reflect on some of the lessons I had learned. Some of these lessons came the hard way. Others just seem to happen.  Enjoy!

 

 

More times than not, it’s better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.

Civil disobedience makes for the best memories and photos.

Cold sodas are always appreciated.

Bears hate ropes.  Fact.

Bear facts will never get old.

The only thru hike that truly matters is mine/yours.

Executive lunches are the best.

Completing a thru hike is a balance between; mental, physical and financial well being.

First and foremost take care of your feet.

The 4:00 sock change is a great morale boost.

When you get off track, sit down and eat some snacks and pull out your headlamp.

Never send your tent pole repair kit home.

When getting directions for a stealth spot in the White Mountains, pull out a map.

It’s okay to eat Ramen noodles for breakfast.

Showering 5 times in 24 hours in town doesn’t make the hiker stink go away.

It’s worse to make a law against hitchhiking than to actually hitchhike.

Hitchhiking is fun.

It’s okay to camp beside the highway, just don’t expect to sleep in.

The best stealth camping spots are always found first thing in the morning.

Be prepared for the unexpected and embrace it.

You are beautiful.

When another hiker tells you it’s difficult terrain, more than likely they are exaggerating.

Always know how far the next water and shelter are from you.

If you love someone, tell them before it’s too late.

Always, always do your 360 scan before you leave anywhere.

Your family is proud of you just for chasing your dream. No matter how far you make it.

Never quit on a bad day.

Hiking cliches are cool, until you realize they aren’t cool at all.

Trail magic comes in many forms.

Just by showing up with the intent, you’ve beaten out most of the competition.

Long distance hiking is 90% mental 20% physical 10% candy.

All math outside of price, weight and distance is irrelevant.

 

The lessons were plentiful along the trail, but these stood out and will always stick with me.