Nunyet and other prospective hikers (and concerned family members),
Last winter, I was in about the same situation. I left a (relatively) decent job that no longer made me happy, and went to hike the AT to figure out my life. Well, I didn’t walk the entire length of the trail (Springer to the Shenandoahs), and there was no moment of heart-stopping epiphany where suddenly all the answers became clear to me or where I received the ever-elusive answer to what I want to do w/ the rest of my life. But, I did figure out my priorities and I discovered a whole lot about myself and who I am and who I want to be. And I met so many of the most awesome folks I’ve ever encountered in my lfie. And I treasure each and every memory and face from the trail.
To offer reassurance to the family members and friends left behind (and to calm some nerves in the future hikers) – my family/friends went through a period of adjustment when I announced my decision to hike the AT. (And I dropped the bombshell in late January, so there wasn’t nearly as much warning.) A 23 year-old woman, hiking in the wilderness, by herself? You are taking a cellphone, right? Aren’t there bears and wolves and such? I managed to convince my mom that the phone was extraneous (extra weight in the pack, coverage issues, there’d be pay phones in towns every few days, etc.), and never regretted not having one. As to the ‘hiking alone’ bit. Every time I tell someone I hiked on the AT, they ask, oftentimes incredulously, “by yourself??”. And I always hesitate in my answer. You see, I set out by myself, w/o knowing anybody (I read a few trailjournals in the weeks before I left, but never posted on the forums or anything), and I didn’t have anyone I was committed to hiking w/. So, in that sense, yes, I was hiking solo. But, I was never alone. There were always people around me, either other thru-hikers, or day hikers, Boy Scout troops, college break students. Anytime I wanted to hike w/ somebody, I could and did. And at times, I would hike w/ the same person or group for a few days or a week. But, I really enjoyed the independence of being able to set my own schedule, of not being tied to someone else’s pace, of being able to stop and say, I want to camp here tonight, and so I would. And, I enjoyed my solitary time too. I loved hiking w/ people, but I also loved hiking by myself. I had so much time to just think and reflect and observe. One of the best things about the trail is the sense of community, the immediate intimate bond you share w/ other hikers out there. And so I always felt that there were people looking out for me, that if anything had happened to me, there would have been someone there to help, no questions asked.
Anyway, sorry this is such an incredibly long post (my first ever!). I hope it’s helped to quell a few fears about the trail. And please drop me an e-mail if you’ve got any pre-hike questions or jitters. I know I was flooded w/ worries and unknowns leading up to my hike. I may not be able to answer your questions, but I’ll offer whatever support I can. I’m debating a March return to the AT next year. It infected my blood last year, and lately the trail has been calling me home. I may just have to answer that call…
Scholar
I will be leaving in January or February to NOBO. I’m 18 and I just graduated high school this past June. I’m working full-time soley to save for the hike. My b-day is Jan 10, and I would love to have that as my starting date, but my sister is due with her first child on Jan 5. We’ll see how it all pans out, but I LOVE the cold so I’m raring to go! See ya out there - but not soon enough! :cheers