Halloj, Just read Funnybone!'s journal and was wondering if anyone had read any similar journals? Not just the same old got up, ate, hiked, ate, hiked some more, ate and then went to bed. I like a little bit of “being me” or “meaning of life” in my journals. Any tips?
In search of
…and humor! Love lots of hiking jokes…
Would it be so bad to add a most read journal tab on this site? That way it would be easier to find the really juicy stuff.
Thanx…
In search of
I agree. Have been reading trail journals for 6 years and it seems there are less quality ones out there these days (kept up daily, more pictures,longer and more interesting posts) I understand its tough enough just to hike every day but if your going to keep one anyway a few extra minutes of thought and writing would be great for you to look back on some day and for the thousands of readers to enjoy and dream. Thanks.
Dan Paradis
Too much meaning of life in some journals, everybody wants to be the next Thoreau - and it shows.
A little bit goes a long way.
I’d rather read about hikers and what they did, saw, who they met ('specially that). Read Ramkitten '00 and you’ll get a good idea.
Kineo Kid
Maybe the meaning of life is a little strong. What I like to read about is the how (and why) the hike effects their lives, what questions do they ask themselves and answer while on the trail. Just by reading Funnybone!s journal it answered a lot of questions about my self (inspired)without me evening taking a step on the PCT. Not that I don’t want to. I have been teetering on the edge of just quiting my job lately and finally doing a thru-hike. His journal made me actually start packing just to see how light I could go. Once my pack is ready and sitting in the corner I would be even more tempted (waiting for another awesome journal to knock me over the edge) that will make me explode and “just do it”. Awesome journal=good kick in the ass!
In search of
One more thing…
It is always easier to put yourself in the other persons shoes when they describe how they are feeling and what they are thinking about while thru-hiking. For some reason the description most people give of the trail and surronding nature never really does it for me because I know how hard it is to describe something like nature with words. Funnybone however succeded in doing both. That is giving a bigger clearer picture of being at the mercy of mother nature. The Whole Picture…
In search of
If you’re open to reading some journals from past seasons, you might enjoy The Northerner’s 2003 PCT journal. Also, check out Hidalgo the Infidel’s 2005 PCT journal. I haven’t real all of Funnybone’s entries, but maybe these two other journals will be along the lines of what you are looking for.
Are you reading Rolling Thunder’s PCT journal this season? I find his stories quite funny, and he also has some terrific photos posted.
a cubicle-bound 2005 PCTer
I like journals that simply reflect the day’s experiences and I’m a bit turned off by the ones that aim to be poetic, witty, etc. (Don’t get me wrong, if something funny happens, I like a good laugh, too.) I’ve done a fair amount of hiking on the AT, and I like to see how other people react to sections I find difficult, beautiful, etc.
One of my favorites is Brown Bess '03. Not much poetry, but reading his journal, you can feel the guy trudging along, starting really slowly, doing 20’s in the heat across Pennsylvania, and cutting back on the miles in New England once he realizes he’ll make it to Katahdin on time.
Bob McCaw
this year is Milkshake and Gumdrop’s ADT hike: http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=3149
Wild Hare
Thank you for all of the tips! I’ll check them all out. A big thanks to everyone that has put a little bit of time into their journal and keep up the good work.
In search of
Maybe their should be an annual award for best journal.
They could have categories for diffenret types Most humorous best overall best photography etc…
I’m not sure what the prize should be maybe something silly perhaps a broekn hiking pole or one spray painted gold.
:cheers
Striker
I like Jan Lightshoe’s journals a lot and for laughs you can’t go wrong with any of Buddha’s journals. Her CDT journal from last year had me literally laughing out loud.
Sam Woods