Caught in the trap of nostalgia (Day 47)

When you hike here, you meet many people who have hiked the AT before. They have lots of great stories to tell, know the best places and give you tried and tested advice. Which is great!

However, I have noticed another side of the coin. It’s hard to write about this thought without seeming insensitive or rude, but since I keep noticing it, I’ll do my best.

Some of the hikers of the past (definitely not all) seem to be a little caught up in AT nostalgia. They give super specific advice on stretches of trail over 1000 miles plus that are impossible to remember. They often ramble on about their experience or, even if they’re not on a hike, still try to meet up and hang out, because they’re reliving their experience vicariously through you.

It is usually very innocent, but it also brings a certain feeling of sadness that is difficult to explain. The AT was the highlight of their lives and they are almost desperately trying to reach that «high» again.

I’m not just saying this to complain or anything, but I sincerely hope I don’t feel so longing for the past. Hiking the AT will probably be one of the coolest things I will ever do in my life. But I also hope that it will be like a springboard for the rest of my life; a cool memory that I’m proud of, rather than something I constantly return to.

After arriving in Katahdin, I want to focus on other important aspects of my life. But after seeing many hikers caught up in homesickness, I realize that it can be a challenge and something to keep in mind.

Anyway, that was a little thought I had and wanted to share with you. If you have any thoughts or opinions on this, I’d love to hear them.

The hiking part of the day.

The trail after leaving the Partnership shelter has been very rocky and overgrown, not our favorite. It also seems to take a toll on my father. His knee hurts again and he has been walking with a limp. I decided to slow down a little to walk with him for a while. I realized I appreciated it. The rest continued walking, maintaining their own pace.

An interesting point of interest today was the old classroom along the trail. It’s no longer in use, but it’s full of trail magic! Which I will never complain about!

The meeting point with the rest of the trail family was “El burrito loco”, a Mexican restaurant en route. But there was no one there. They should have been here already. We checked the other restaurant across the street, but again: no one.

Oh well, they must have already gone to the store site. Let’s go to lunch/dinner anyway! An hour later, when we were ready to leave, did the rest walk in? I thought they were already gone. Apparently they went to the settler museum, we totally missed it!

A fourth done!

We’ve covered more than a quarter of the trail! That’s a big milestone. It feels like I started last week, but also like I’ve been here forever. Our bodies ache, but I have never been more sure that I will walk the entire way. Only 3 more quarters left!

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