Week 3: Trail Name, Hiking Style, Spontaneity on the Trail

The trail decides

I had a rough idea of ​​what life on the trails is like. I hear many people say that the trail offers almost everything. Conceptually, I can understand that. However, it has a different intensity when experienced firsthand. The path provides not only tangible things but also a new identity. An identity that is separate from my regular life. That being said, here are a few cases where the journey is gradually transforming me into a new brand.

How did I get my trail name?

When I returned from the trail after taking zeros in Julian, I was very excited and ready. That day I started speeding miles early to the water tank. It’s a 14 mile stretch from where I started. I was able to reach the cache around noon. My initial plan is to camp nearby. My problem is that I have a lot of time to lose if I stay, so I decided to walk to the next water source another 10 miles.

At camp, a fellow hiker I passed on the trail told me he was pulling out. I said, “That’s what happens if you listen to Freebird.” Then he responded, «Is that the name of your trail? That’s supposed to be the name of your trail.» Then I told myself that’s a sick name! Also, I love the song Freebird. It’s a hit song, especially when I’m putting in the miles. That day I solemnly baptized myself with the name of the Freebird trail.

It’s also fair to say that I got Freebird because I’m «flying» down the road.

My hiking style

Over the past 3 weeks since I’ve been on the trail, I’ve met a lot of people with various hiking styles. There are some people who want to hang out at camp. Others walk slowly intentionally to immerse themselves in the nature and views. Some hikers want to go miles. As you know from the name of my trail, I prefer to walk at a faster pace.

I see the value in walking at a slower pace. In addition to being sustainable and reducing the risk of injury, I was able to enjoy the landscape in a more vivid and detailed way. However, it’s not the kind of experience that keeps me busy on the road.

I would compare walking at a fast pace to driving. There are some drivers who drive 80 miles per hour with a speed limit of 65 miles per hour. It’s usually not because they need to rush, but rather they become more attentive and present along the way. This is my case on the road. A faster walking pace keeps me on track and helps me stay in the present.

Surprisingly, the faster paces keep my mind focused on what’s in front of me. I don’t even need to put on headphones to stay motivated. All I need to do is pick up my pace faster than usual and my mind will be on the road.

I also get motivated when I hike with other hikers at the same pace or faster than mine.

Spontaneity on the road

Plans are made to be broken. Every time I asked other hikers, “Where are you camping tonight?” The usual response is «I don’t know. I’ll walk until I’m tired.» On the other hand, I usually say, “I’ll decide later, when I get to the next water source.” Almost everyone on the path, including me, has no idea where we are headed. We keep walking and find out later when we arrive.

It’s just fascinating how life on the trails is so opposite to normal life. In normal life, almost all commitments must be put on the calendar or else they will not materialize. On the trails, it is very impractical to plan everything. There are so many variables that are out of a hiker’s control.

I have numerous cases that I didn’t plan at all and it turns out great. I initially planned to skip the next town down from San Jacinto. That changed when a fellow hiker mentioned that there is an In-N-Out in that town. Luckily, another hiker took me with him into town, which made it easier for me to get there. It worked very well (or even better) even on a last minute decision. On trails, plans are intended to be a guide and not a law that must be strictly followed.

I always bring food from the city when I come to the city. City food is superior to cold-soaked food.

Where do the trails take me?

Honestly, I have no idea. Everything happens along the way and it almost always turns out great. I think as long as I stay open, the trail will continue to work its magic on me. I guess I should just keep leaving it that way.

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