Why hike?
I have many other interesting hobbies… and most of them require much less time, money and effort.
I can spend time journaling, reading, crocheting, hiking, running, longboarding, or taking short day hikes. I could stop taxing my body and my wallet and do something else with my time on this earth.
My most recent completed crochet project, a sweater for me!
Or… I can choose to do extraordinary things. I can live my life with intention, even when those intentions end up prematurely aging my poor knees and ankles. My other hobbies can be amazing too. I received many compliments on this sweater I made, among other creations. However, nothing compares to hour-long conversations about backpacking.
On the Appalachian Trail, I met people with my deepest personal reasons for being there. For some, hiking the Appalachian Trail was fulfilling a dream they had had since childhood. Others were there in honor of a friend or family member who had passed away. Then there were the people who were simply there because, well, «why the hell not?»
My partner Kaboost and I at Zeacliffs. For him, the walk was fulfilling a dream he had had since he was a child: walking with the Boy Scouts.
I fell into the latter group for my Appalachian Trail hike. For my next Pacific Crest hike, I’d say it’s a pretty similar situation.
It’s less of a «why» and more of a «why not?»
I’m less than a month away from turning 25, I don’t have kids, I don’t have a real career, and I’m dating someone who wants to do the same crazy things I dream of doing. Because I wouldn’t do it Shall we take a walk? We hiked all over the AT together and know how amazing the hiking experience can be. It can be hard on the body and sometimes the mind, but it is also very rewarding.
The real world is a crazy place right now and while I firmly believe in staying up to date and informed about what’s going on around us, I think now is the perfect time to remember why I love my country. I love the United States for the beauty it holds, and that’s exactly what you see on a hike. You not only see the beauty that the landscape offers, but also the people. Fellow hikers, trail angels, and complete strangers can be some of the most spectacular people you’ll ever meet. In times like these, we all need a reminder that there are good human beings out there, and I’m sure we’ll find many on this walk.
We’re not rich and we’re definitely not doing these hikes on our parents’ wallets, but we have amazing support systems and our families and friends have done a lot for us. We worked hard last year to save enough for this hike while also paying rent and all of our bills…but this time, we know all that work will pay off. It’s all worth it for the effort we are about to undertake. We are not rich in the normal sense, but we are very, very rich in soul and life.
That’s why we do it.
It may not be a true “why” for some, but it is the closest thing we have to one. If I want riches in this life, I have to go create memories. and stories to tell. Sure it’s nice to have money, but when we’re on our deathbed, what will we care about most? That we worked during our youth and saved every last cent to enjoy our last years on this earth? For a retirement this generation may never see? Yes… no, thank you. I want to enjoy my whole life.
I may never have a lot of cash, but if my life stays the way it is, I will have a lot of love, laughter, joy and kindness, and that It is a life that is worth more than any amount of money to me lkj6.
Money can buy nice things, but not a nice life.
That is something that comes from within, from self-care and growth. Walking and spending time in nature is a perfect place for that to happen. So why not spend 5 months there?
This a$$ climbed Mount Katahdin… and is about to walk from Mexico to Canada in a couple of months!
Our trip to the west coast will begin in May and I will be posting regularly. I’ll share posts a little later than the date we’re there, mainly because I know I won’t have the best phone reception, but also to keep our location private for safety reasons. If you want to see more of my blogs, remember to subscribe! I can’t wait to share my adventures and stories with everyone <3
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