Re-adjusting - Appalachian Trail

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#21

I can’t agree with jitterbug enough. Hiking the AT for me was the best thing ive done in my 20 years and quite possibly might be the best thing i do in my whole life. Everyday was an adventure, a free lifestyle that your completely in charge of. You are surrounded by your friends and beautiful scenary and friendly towns folk-what could be better?
I’ve been done for about 50 days now and im just starting to become “happy” with my old life. I was somewhat depressed after i finished and many things i loved before the AT just didnt do it for me when i was done. I was used to being surrounded by adventurous souls who were out to accomplish the same goal as me. Many of my long time friends seemed dull to me and i didn’t want to spend much time with my group of friends. I felt lost as well as unexcited by almost everything. Coming back to college after a semester off had me feeling out of place and out of the loop. Basically its only time thats made my re-entry better. Not to say i still dont think/dream/read about the AT every minute i can. I’d do anything to still be out there now but its not a realistic option at the time. Weekend hikes on the long trail will have to do. I don’t know if my life will ever be the same again.
To future hikers, don’t be discourged. Don’t not hike the trail because you think it will make your life dull, its just an extraordinary adventure that is hard to top. PCT or another AT hike is definately in my future tho :slight_smile:
A-Train

A-Train

#22

IMHO pursuing the AT Photo Project is assisting me to readjust.
It was a brainstorm I had one day this spring, while planning
a long section hike from NOC to Harper’s Ferry.
The project has become a part-time job and is a worthy goal,
which enables me to give something back to the AT(hopefully).
It also allows me to associate with former hikers for a common
goal, much like going the extra few miles to the next shelter
while on the trail, just to keep up with new friends.

It’s almost like being back out on the trail, without the
physical effort.

A lack of a significant challenge is difficult after hiking.

A new challenge will come to/for you, and help your life to
move forward.

Hike On!

Scamp

Scamp

#23

Wedding Singer I like the way you said it “they just don’t get it.” I’m closing in on 57 and I have not readjusted. I don’t really care to re-adjust. I’m different because of the Trail, and I like the difference! I no longer sweat the small stuff… and it’s all small stuff. Hey Virginian, let’s go for a hike!!! Happy Trails everybody!

Papa Smurf

#24

Wow, I come back to this site every once in a while when i feel the pull of the AT, not that i don’t feel it every day, but it’s very comforting to know that everyone else is still out there, feeling the same way. It’s hard to believe, but after spending two years living in a small village in Africa, I had a much much harding time adjusting to life in the states after the trail last year. I still feel like I’m made of different stuff than those around me, but it’s about living forward, and finding new challenges. Although there is nothing quite like the long, long, long distance hike. In fact, I will do another-just may take me a few years. So now it’s about finding that next challenge and investing as much into it as possible. For me it’s grad school in London right now. Now this is about as far as you can get from the AT, but I’m hoping to do some hiking in Wales this spring, and the whole city is walkable, some days I just put on my shoes and walk until I drop. I definitly have that lonely feeling quite a bit, but I also know I’m feeling more than most here. Cheers everyone!

She-ra