The «why» revisited – The Trek

Why again?

Happy holidays. If you caught my first post, I talked about the reasons why I’m climbing the AT. In short, because I can and because I said I would. A little dry, no doubt. I ended by saying there would be more information about the “why” later. Here’s that, or at least part of it.

Obsess too much?

Since I started seriously considering a hike in 2026, it’s pretty much all I’ve thought about. My equipment, my route (reading biographies, autobiographies), books on how to prepare for the hike. Audio books and pocket and digital readers. Mental preparation – Practice mindfulness; overcoming pain; care for feet with blisters; becoming one with the rain. I could go on and on down the rabbit hole. Long way to say… I’m excited! I really like hiking the AT. And that’s not like me.

This is the reason…a little

I usually don’t focus that much on one thing. Perhaps this lack of focus in much of my life is because I had to delay doing things like AT while trying to make a living. Maybe. I traveled by bike across the United States a few years ago. But that was only 2 and a half months: I had my license saved and a manager who supported me. But 5 months into my life? Only? Sleep outside? In the forest? How selfish it seems. A thousand reasons not to do it. Leaving my family, my responsibilities – to do what – walk? But all of these practical concerns seem to fade away when I’m lost in a book on the AT, or examining my backpack, or testing my gear, or bending my partner’s ear with some random thought about the upcoming hike. I really want to take this trip and that makes me happy. What do you know? Determination can be a good thing, if that’s what you really want. See you next year.

Darin

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