Reflections from the trail – The Trek

I started the first day with a pair of stylish headphones. I imagined playing my favorite songs or listening to podcasts that would broaden my horizons. The funny thing is that, in two weeks of hiking, they never left my backpack. I was too busy enjoying the trail…listening mostly to the birds. That was music to my ears! So I sent the headphones home; They were too heavy anyway.

I also think of anything. Sometimes interesting or funny things related to my trip come to mind.

So here are some highlights of what I reflect:

My body speaks to me:

My shoulders were the first to complain. Thank goodness that disappeared as they got used to the straps on my backpack. My heels hurt from a tight Achilles tendon. This has largely resolved itself as well. Some tendon (?) where my foot meets my shin was painfully dislocated… I almost cried to my wife on the phone. That too has almost diminished. Now my upper back is giving me pain. I hope you all accept the fact that we are in this for the long haul!

Not if, when – Katahdin

The first week or two on the road, I would say “if I make it to Katahdin,” which doesn’t convey a feeling of much confidence. During my third week, a switch flipped and I began to say “when I get to Katahdin” with confidence. I like that feeling!

What goes down must come up

I know, I know, that’s backwards, but not in the way. It won’t take you long to almost fear a long downhill stretch, because the other side is up, up, up!

Blogging on the road is difficult

I like this about blogs. I just wish it was at home, at my desk, on my computer. Instead, I’m forced to create my posts in my store, on this little phone, phew! It’s like homework sometimes, but it entertains my brain and hopefully anyone reading my nonsense.

Carrying water

Then you choose the shelter/camp you want to spend the night in; You simply can’t walk another mile, not even 20 steps. Then you check the trail map/FarOut app and read that the last water source is 3 miles before the shelter… and you should have water, usually 2 liters by the end of the day. A liter of water weighs 2.2 pounds. That doesn’t sound like much, but that’s 4.4 pounds, plus your 20- to 30-pound backpack, at the end of your 15- to 20-mile hike. Carrying water sucks!

The people (hikers and locals) are wonderful.

Since I began this journey, my faith in humanity has been restored! Everyone on or near the trail is amazing! Other hikers, local merchants, local hikers… everyone. Especially people in trail towns who always seem very interested in where you started, how far you plan to hike, where you call home, etc., etc. If by chance anyone from the trail towns reads this post, please know that your smile and words of encouragement mean more than you could ever imagine – thank you!

Happiness is coming to the hole!

I leave it to you to reflect on this phrase.

Conversations with Myron

Benton MacKaye was the visionary of the Appalachian Trail, but it was Myron Avery who led the actual construction. At least that’s what I’ve read. So, as I walk the trail, I inevitably find myself chatting with Myron. I curse him for unnecessary rock climbing, ridiculous climbs, etc. But I am also grateful for the walks along the pine needle-filled forest trails, the incredible views, and the beauty before me. Myron and I are best friends.

Pennsylvania rocks really suck sometimes, enough said.

backpack crack

Everyone has heard of the plumber’s crack, but I recently discovered the Backpack’s crack. Mind you, it’s not a full-blown seismic fault type crack, but as my pack rises and falls, my shorts seem to reveal a bit of a breeze from time to time. I hope I’m the only one to notice this phenomenon!

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.