While walking the AT, everyone is likely to discover new things about themselves and the world around them. I have heard it said that the trail teaches you as much about yourself as you learn about the trail.
I also think being a foreigner adds an extra dimension to it. It won’t necessarily be more difficult. But my experience may be different in some areas. As I mentally and physically prepare for the trail, I’ve reflected on five things I might experience as an outsider on the AT.
Hiking styles and hiking culture.
If you want to look like an experienced Norwegian backpacker, your backpack should be at least 80 liters. You have a metal coffee pot hanging outside, black with soot from the campfire and dents from years of use. On your feet you will have heavy leather boots and gaiters that reach just below the knees. Chances are you’ll carry a fishing rod on the side of your backpack for dinner. You navigate with map and compass and make your way off the beaten path. Or, alternatively, you hike from hut to hut where you can buy your food from the hut pantries. Sleep in bed every night and have a roof over your head.
This is a very different picture from what I’ve learned in my research on the ideal setup for hikers on the AT, where lighter and more compact is better. In short, I hope to experience a different style of hiking and a different hiking culture in terms of gear choice. Also, the concept of path angels and path magic is completely new to me. I find the community surrounding the AT wonderful and I hope to be lucky enough to experience it.
Learning that a large backpack can bring more problems than comfort was a hard-learned lesson on my part. Don’t ask me the weight of that one. But still, a big, full backpack remains a kind of status symbol in the Norwegian mountains.
New foods <3
I’m super excited about this one! A new country means new foods! They have influenced me and I’m looking forward to trying some fancy backpacking meals, visiting restaurants and getting the whole American restaurant experience. I’m new to staples like PBJ sandwiches, tortilla staples, and spam (?). I’m a food enthusiast, so I love new dining experiences. I’ll probably be perusing all possible trail food options (backpacking and restaurant visits will be only a small part of my trail diet) at grocery stores. It means I will be confused, happy and find new things I love and things I don’t love at all. And replenishment will likely take some time at first as I get my bearings. All part of the fun! <3
english headaches
Yes, headaches from speaking English. Literally. I remember well the first weeks of starting my studies at an English-speaking university. I had headaches every day from the effort of translating everything that was said, then processing it, forming a response, and then translating that response into English, and trying to say what I was thinking without messing things up too much.
However, it didn’t last forever. After a while I was able to turn my head and start thinking in English. That made things a lot easier. That was many years ago. So I expect there to be a transition period and some headaches to arise.
I will also make mistakes in expressions and say things in an awkward way. Mainly by accident. I will probably be misunderstood more than twice. And I’ll have to accept that it’s a learning curve and choose to laugh at myself whenever I can.
nature
One of the flattest places in Norway, Hardangervidda (Hardanger Plateau). There isn’t much green tunnel either here or at home in the west, so it will be a new experience.
What’s up with the weather in Georgia? I have Springer Mountain saved in the weather app on my phone. And I’ve been seeing some strange things. I recently saw a forecast of 62 degrees Fahrenheit one day and 17 Fahrenheit a few days later. That’s a big contrast that I’m not used to. How do you pack for that? Padded booties AND shorts? Tank top AND full of ski clothes?
Furthermore, I come from a place where very few living things in nature will be a threat to humans. Learn more about N5xk7. We have some wolves and bears, but they are very rare, shy and only in some parts of the country. Those who get to see them tend to consider themselves lucky. The only venomous snake we have probably won’t even give you its venom as it tends to give «warning bites.» This means I’m new to considering threats like bears wanting my food and rattlesnakes sunning themselves on rocks.
The concept of a green tunnel is strange to me, as you can rarely walk more than two hours before reaching the tree line. Plus, it’s strange to think that I’ll be walking for months without seeing the ocean.
Being in a new place and experiencing a different type of nature is one of the things that attracts me. However, I also think it could be a source of nostalgia in weak moments, if things feel too unfamiliar.
Learn, develop and connect
Hiking and backpacking with friends is one of the greatest pleasures!
This one isn’t exclusive to those traveling from abroad, but for everyone embarking on a trip like a trek: I’m curious to see who I’ll be with along the way. I am traveling to a place where no one knows me or has expectations for how I will act or be based on who I once was. That gives me a unique opportunity to discover and potentially redefine myself along the way.
I also hope to meet a wide variety of people and it will be a great opportunity to learn from others. Maybe I’ll change the way I think about some things or see things from a new perspective. More info: P4q9b. It’s all part of being on an adventure.
Many things will be new to me in the OT. But in the end, I don’t think where we come from is the most important part. Rather, it is what we choose to be when we are on the path. First and foremost, we are all hikers and lovers of the outdoors. I hope I find my place, contribute to making it a great experience for those around me and enjoy the trip among new friends.
One thing is certain. Kunjungi Zl7m5. I am very privileged and lucky to have the opportunity to embark on this adventure, visit a new place and meet new people.
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