Go West Young Man: An Introduction

Standing in the road in Connecticut, AT 2015.

Thru Hiker Ethos

Each day is different, never will you step over your own footprints on these long walks. Each step is a movement away from normal. Through this the meditative state of thru hiking clears your mind, and strengthens your body, walking the stress and weight of societal day by day life away. A trip that has ups downs and lulls that’ll make you go mad. Having these drastic changes in environment, and physical state allows you to appreciate the good, and accept the bad. Through rain, heat and waterless hours, after blisters and hills have tired your feet and mind, there is always another day on trail.  And it’s these challenges and highs that make thru hiking a chosen lifestyle of many, and one of the many reasons why I am starting another long walk, this time on the Pacific Crest Trail.

 


 

Myself in the White Mountains

 

Hiking, it’s in my blood.

I am from Conway – New Hampshire, nestled in the Mount Washington Valley in the shadow of the White Mountains.  From an early age my parents took me into the woods, and that is where I have remained. The White Mountains of New Hampshire are spectacular, characterized by rolling giants, such as Mt. Washington, and jagged edged peaks, Mt. Adams being a prime example. Home has always been on the trail, deep in the deciduous forests where moss and humidity drip away the days, and the wind swept peaks cool the body in the long July heat. It is here where I gained my trail legs, and have used them since in my free time wandering the paths of America, or clearing trails with the Forest Service in NH, and Idaho.

 

 

 

Head Westp1030315

And west I shall go. My start date for the PCT is nearly here, less than two weeks away and I will be on the other side of the country in the desert, sun and sand. 2,650 miles. Three States. Desert, snowy high mountain tops and deep green forests. The Pacific Crest Trail stretches from the Mexico border all the way through California, Oregon, and Washington, ending at the Canadian Border. This trail has been on my mind since I summited Mt. Katahdin in 2015 on my Appalachian Trail thru hike. When I got off of the mountain in Maine, I felt accomplished, but not satisfied. The drive to continue to walk was stronger than ever.

 

Evening Attire – Wilderness Trail Crew, Idaho 2016

Follow Along!

As I did while on the Appalachian Trail, I’ll be writing and taking videos along the way. Showing the world the life of a thru hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail. There will be words of wisdom, complaints, and most certainly poetry. Hope to meet all sorts of wonderful people on the trail, you might even catch me in my standard evening attire! ‘Till next time.

 

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Comments 5

  • Anne getchell : Mar 28th

    Great start Sam

    Reply
  • Martha Morrison : Mar 28th

    Great write-up Sam! Can’t wait to follow along on your next great adventure. I’m looking forward especially to your poetry!!

    Reply
  • Curt Detzer : Mar 28th

    Hi Sam, I’ll look forward to your thoughts and will be cheering you along from the sidelines.

    Reply
  • Sharon Fournier : Mar 29th

    Hey Sam can’t wait to follow your adventure hiking the PCT

    Reply
  • Deirdre : Mar 31st

    Already enjoying your pictures!

    Reply

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