Documenting the trail versus living in the moment

The Trek blogs, keeps a nightly journal, and posts YouTube videos every other day. All of this, combined with keeping up with the family, planning your future miles, planning and executing your resupply, booking hotels, doing laundry, and walking around town looking for a cheap place to eat. It can be a lot. Nowadays, everyone is documenting their trail. Whether for personal use, family use or for the general public, it can be a great feat. Before I started walking, I thought, «Wow, I’m going to have a lot of time to relax in nature.» I thought I would do yoga twice a day, looking at the trees and birds, just killing time. Unfortunately for me, this has not been the case. Not that it’s impossible, I guess if I cut my miles by 30%, maybe I’ll have time for these things. Unfortunately, that’s not how I’m designed. That’s actually not how the trails are designed. If you don’t average at least 15 miles per day, you may not be able to make it before winter.

Although I don’t regret doing all the things I do, it still stresses me out at least every time I’m in the city, at most every day. I love going back to my PCT and Colorado Trail YouTube videos and remembering them. I’m glad I have these moments documented for life. It’s also a great way to keep all my loved ones updated and share my experiences with them. I like to keep a daily journal so I can go back if I need to remember where we camped or what day that deer followed us for almost a mile. I love writing, so now I also enjoy having an outlet to capture my ideas and practice writing on my blogs.

One thing that surprised me about hiking, and especially hiking in the CDT, is the number of amenities you will find while hiking. Most days you can find a place that has service. Although this is great when you really need it. When you have to make hotel reservations, call past towns where you left your credit card, or check that your package arrives on time, the service is excellent. Other than that, I sometimes find it to be a huge distraction. It’s also a great way to use up valuable battery power. I feel less connected to my walk when I’m on and off duty.

We glamorize YouTube and blogging, I just want people to know what they’re getting into before they decide to become a YouTube sensation or blog extraordinaire. Make sure you are willing to accept this part-time job. I spend several hours a day writing, recording and editing. Decide what a walk means to you and what it means to be outdoors and possibly unplug.

Comment if you have any questions or comments about these topics and for the love of God go watch my YouTube videos! After all, I spent hours on each one….

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.