The second most important question you can ask a hiker (after: would you like a beer?)

It all started in a dream.
It was so simple in that dream.
I’ll take that dream,
And finally do something.
For me I needed to go hiking.
I needed to be completely free.
I will keep that dream.
It’s worth celebrating!

Because?
It’s the most important question you can ask a hiker, other than: do you want an ice cold beer? The answer to both is yes. This year I’m going to hike the Appalachian Trail because I wondered if I should. My answer was yes, absolutely. I think it’s important to ask yourself whether you should do it or not.
If the answer is yes, then you probably already have a good grasp of your “whys.” If the answer is maybe sure or not, then it’s a good opportunity to explore your “why.” If the answer is no, I suggest asking yourself why not?
The key is to always be honest with yourself. Allowing yourself to be open to new ideas and difficulties, as well as knowing all your «whys», will set you up for success and allow you to mentally have the best walk ever.

The best gift you can give someone is to simply listen.

While it’s important to ask why, it’s equally important to ask hikers why. First, it gives the hiker an excuse to check in with themselves and reset their reasons for being on the trail. It also gives you an idea of ​​who that hiker is as a person and what their motivations are. I think that’s a beautiful thing.
Not only is this question important to ask a hiker, but also very interesting: the many unique and mundane answers you will receive. I think that’s also a very beautiful thing. For example, if I’m trying to walk 10 miles into town in four hours to get to the post office and a «day» hiker stops me, I’ll probably just tell them I’m hiking because I really like walking. It is a true, honest and genuine answer; however, it is extremely level. On the other hand, if I’m sitting by a water source chatting with other hikers, I might talk about how I’m afraid of getting stuck and how, for me, hiking is much more comfortable than living in a house.

You can never walk the same path twice. You are not the same hiker and it is not the same trail.

It wasn’t a big battle.
The rest of the climb via Packsaddle.
There was nothing he couldn’t handle.
This trail has very little use.
But it also sees very few abuses.
I let my mind wander.
I let my mind loose.
Trail conditions are fine.
It’s a beautiful day.
The views were more
Than I could ever ask for.
They reach my core.
The way the sky plays with distance.
It reminds me that with one wrong step everything could disappear in an instant.
Dancing a little on this ridge.
I already found everything I needed to find.
Never really be in such a big bind.
Moving through thoughts of darkness.
Along the ridges of finality.
I’m excited to ultimately continue.
If only for a handful of days.
Along the ridges of finality.

One thing I learned early in my backpacking career was to not only accept change but also respect it. It is inevitable and necessary. Obviously for me progression is very important, as is the ability to evolve and adapt. Long distance hiking has taught me this. Frequently checking in with yourself and being willing to review your “whys” is essential to being able to adapt to any situation you may encounter along the way.

The toaster house | Whys and pastries

On the Continental Divide Trail, there is a passing community called Pie Town. Yes, there is cake, and yes, it is a really good cake. There is also a hiker’s hostel called Toaster House. I was standing in a bunk room with several other hikers. Collectively, we decided to share why we were climbing the CDT. Everyone had a unique answer. Some answers were profound, like time running out unexpectedly, for example. Some were more superficial, like my own response: “I always wanted to raise the CDT.”
After everyone voiced their whys out loud, we all collectively decided to turn around again and share a second reason. Some of those who responded more deeply in the previous round opted for more light-hearted and whimsical reasoning. I chose to share my struggles with anxiety and how it almost evaporated along the way.
We could all feel a deep connection floating in the room, more overwhelming than all of our stinky hiker socks combined. It was palpable. To me, that’s one of, if not the most beautiful things I’ve ever been a part of.

Come, they told me.
In a water fountain.
Walk with us until we camp.
Join our tram.
Bring a song with you.
When you come.

Bear hug and nurse.
Nosebleed and Angel.
In Pastel City.
Prime Group.
We speak our whys out loud.
In the toaster house.

With all that being said, I am hiking the Appalachian Trail this year for many reasons. But right now, in this moment, I would simply like to complete my triple crown.

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