Just curious. For those who have already thru-hiked or those of you who are planning on thru-hiking, what made or makes you want to do it? What brought or is bringing you to the trail? Just curious.
C-Giddy
Reasons for thru-hiking?
system
#3
Back in 97, my friend and I were at a loss of what to do with ourselves, we were both homeless, and he presented me with two options. one: we could move to california, and go wherever life took us. two: we could hike the appalachian trail.
I decided on the latter. Our trip was a joke. After my other two friends dropped out, I sill only made it about 150 miles, and we didn’t even start at either end. Needless to say, we did have fun, and it was a learning experience. but ever since then, I’ve wanted to complete it. In 99, I did about 700 miles. I had left late in the year, overspent on my budget, and again did not start at the beginning. (I knew I had no hope of completing it that time either though)
This year could be the last chance I get to do it, I may lose my g/f doing it, and the downpayment on a house, but I’m willing to risk it.
spittinpigeon
system
#4
Because, it’s one of the last things that still resembles real adventure… sacrifice, fortitude and a little foolishness… I guess.
spanky
system
#5
In hindsite, I think that for many, part of the healing process following cancer is doing a major physical challenge. Many people do a marathon, or a three day walk for cancer. etc. For me, it was hiking the AT. It’s probably hard for someone who has not had cancer to understand the need for this type of a challenge, but it’s there.
Peaks
system
#6
and it’s a challenge.
Not many people could complete the entire 2170 miles, and few
would even try.
I like the scenery/photo ops, too.
Scamp
I don’t think I’d risk my house on it.
Scamp
system
#7
Rhymin’ Worm, in his good book “On the Beaten Path” says something like all of us on the trail are searching for something, don’t let us fool you. At least that was true of everyone he met that year, '99 I think. For me, I also think it is something like the challenge of becoming a Navy Seal or running a marathon – something that you prove to yourself you can do even though most cannot or do not. I haven’t done it yet, by the way.
Aeschylus
system
#8
the way i see it… i’ve searched already, and i’ve found something. that’s why i’m going.:girl
larsyparsy
system
#9
Could you be a little more specific larsyparsy? What did you find? Why are you going?
C-Giddy
system
#10
The call is not of trumpets or song,
Nor is it the promise of a victor’s gift.
It is of purpose, purpose to question.
I wrote that within my journal as I was about to start last year. What I am saying there is that a lot of people thru-hike for not the glory or recognition of having completed the AT but rather to test or question something of themselves within doing it. For me last year it involved me turning 40, I did on Springer as I started, and the then recent death of my dad. It is still recent to me. So I chose a thru-hike to challenge myself and to question why I’m here. I really did it to be alone some and to give myself time to think. To my surprise and fortune, the AT is a very social place. You have to work at being alone. So what the trail did for me was to prove something to myself on more of a mental level and to restore some of the faith I was questioning within other people and, for me more importantly, God. Having said that I think a hike means a lot of different things to a lot of different people but I also think fundamentally we all have a question in there somewhere.
Two Scoops
system
#12
for me, especially on days like today, i long for the Trail to be able to cultivate a simpler and slower pace of life. i want to expand my comfort zone, go outside it to force it to grow. i want to see new places, meet new people. i want to challenge myself and to be able to say i’ve done it. i want to do some soul-searching, understand myself better, and grow in my walk with God. and i want to be super-fit. 
hephzibah
system
#13
For the adventure! I wonder where that trail will go? I wonder what stories it can tell? I found out and wouldnt trade it for the world!!
Virginian
system
#15
Reasons for thru-hiking for me is a combination of 3 factors:
Physical Challenge. Can my body hold up?
Being in nature or being comfortable & self sufficient in the woods
Getting away from “Too much” in the “real world” like phones, possessions, obligations
GottaWalk
system
#17
I guess being outside for long stretches of time. The scenery. Mountains. I’m Swiss by ancestry, so maybe in some wierd way there’s a genetic bend there. Y’know, people who didn’t like mountains left in the 7th century. The realization that I can carry in 3,000 or so cubic inches what it takes an entire house to contain, back in the world. Enough, anyhow to be reasonably healthy and comfortable. A clear goal and payback for my effort. “Walk 8 miles, get to shelter, eat, sleep.” Conquering that first step pain every day. And the instant companionship. Never stayed in a shelter where there wasn’t talk. Never walked by anyone without a greeting. For the heavy milers this may be brief, sure, but most are glad to spend a minute or 2 talking. Woods, good, concrete, bad.
Fair skies and flat trails.
Jim2
system
#18
i am with Hep, the world is out of control. We have WAY TOO MUCH stuff ! I crave the freedom of have my life… sweet sweet life, on my back, walking thru my days…feeling beyond wonderful and earning every single frigging mile !..
You can’t get that with a drive… ever.And ya know something ? You bring "it " back with ya… ya really do. What an outrageous experience. Help, I’ve thru hiked and I can’t seem to stop !..
yappy
system
#19
One hiker told us last year there where too many warrants againts him at home!
Papa Smurf
system
#20
To see what was on the other side of the next mountain.
Besides, it sure beats working.
Uncle Duke