AT Happiness: Do You Love It

So this question was put to me today, and it’s not an easy one to answer.  Not because I’m not enjoying hiking the Appalachian Trail, but because the experience is far too complex for such a simple answer.

Each day on the trail often feels like multiple days.  The perception of these splits can be driven by the weather, geography or the company.

Arriving in a hostel the other night Cliffhanger brought up a conversation we’d had a couple of days earler.  The only problem was we’d actually talked that morning at breakfast.  But since then he’d had a camp morning, a short solo hike, a rushed hike with a group to make a gap and get off the trail. Then he had to hitchhike into town alone.  I think you can see how the perception of time can change on the trail.

So for me, I’ve been on the trail for two weeks but it seems like at least a month. The majority of those perceived days have been wonderful, many have been very hard, a couple have sucked.

Over this time I’ve done more unsupported backpacking than ever before, stretched and pushed myself in new ways, learned a lot and met a lot of really fascinating people.

So my answer is of course complex but I’m glad I’m out here, I’m excited by the challenge, and happy that the journey is continuing and that I’m having happy days my friends. – Rev Kane