When Did You Know?

imported
#1

Nomad’s previous topic got me thinking about this so I’m prompted to ask others this question… My first attempt of a thru-hike was in 2000, I was aged 55 with no prior hiking experience. When I reached Damascus I made a sudden decision (later regretted) to drop out. This was probably a result of homesickness and perhaps what I feel now was little groundhog day syndrom.

I returned to the AT in 2002 and completed my hike. 2002 was a whole different experience for me from 2000.

In 2002 I was determined to complete my hike. However, in the back of my mind for a long time I had a nagging doubt that I may not be able to finish again. Looking back now there were 2 “aha moments” in my 2002 hike that gave me a massive boost in confidence that I could finish. The first “aha” hit me after hiking through PA day-after-day in the stinking heat, sweating like a pig non-stop, battling mosquitos and deer flies. While going thru this I came to realise that I could beat anything mentally on the AT. The second “aha” hit me after I crossed Mt Moosilauke in the rain. I knew then I could meet any physical challenge yet to come on the AT.

Did any of you other hikers out there have similar “aha” moments or did you always know that you would finish??

Downunda

#2

I also hiked in 2,000… I really never had a doubt but then I never really worried about it either. For me, my goal was to learn about myself. Katahdin was frosting on the cake. This may or may not be the case with you, but I think people worry so much about things that are out of their control… weather, etc. People seem to worry a lot about the grand picture rather than realize it is a series of smaller pictures.

I enjoyed being on the trail from day one. I only ran into one very short period, somewhere in Maine (Insane in my Maine Brain…)when I could smell the finish line and I was ready for the next phase of my life. The weather, bugs, etc really never bothered me much. I guess I focused on the fact that it is very rare for denizens of the numbered world to be able to put their numbered life on hold and go for a really long walk. I never got homesick because I always felt the love of my family while in the woods. I felt like they were helping me up the hard mountains with their encouragement and support.

Since 2,000, I have been out for long chuncks of the AT in 01 and 04. Every year seems to have a very different feel to it. 2000 will remain my favorite year and that may be because I was a virgin to the experience. I remember with profound happiness in my heart all the wonderful people i hiked with…

ASWAH

Aswah

#3

When my husband and I hit the AT, I hadn’t been tremendously physically active before. I was plagued with self-doubt - worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle it physically, mentally, that I would hold him back, that we would drive each other crazy. I wasn’t even consciously aware of how much I was doubting myself. Until I had an aha! moment like yours, Downunda. The foggy morning we left Harper’s Ferry it hit me: “All this time you’ve been worrying whether you’ve got what it takes to hike this trail. Here’s a newsflash for you sister, YOU ARE HIKING THIS TRAIL!” I had to walk 1000 miles before I really believed I could do it. It was a wonderful moment for me - from that point on, whatever challenges came up - weather, injury, health, logistics - I knew deep down I’d make it through.

camera1

#4

I believe that after I survived that day I crossed Interstate 70 and DIDNT hitch-hike home to Indiana (my parents house was right off 70 in Indiana), I knew that I would make it to Katahdin. That had been a really rainy day adn I was listening to the Indy 500 on my little radio and literally cried all day that day. I called a friend from Boiling Springs and he came and rescued me. A shower, a hug, food, a bed, and a bit of slackpacking later to get to Boiling Springs… and I was recovered from my dismal day.
I guess I really knew from the moment I started in georgia that I would get it done… but man, did my mind want me to stop many many times.

windex

#5

That sounds pretty familiar to me windex. I also feel like I always knew deep down somewhere that I would finish. But damn, you wouldn’t have guessed that if you talked to me at times out there. I remember a few times that I’m pretty sure my friends thought, “There’s no way in hell he’s going to finish the entire thing.” Not because they were bad friends…hell, if I had heard someone talking the way I was, I would’ve thought the same thing. But I just needed to share what was on my mind…had to let it all out. So, yeah, I guess it was my mind (and my body) that wanted me to go home…but there was something deeper that wouldn’t accept that as an option.

Leki-Less

#6

I never doubted I would finish my hike. But my wife (Flame) was hiking with me and I was a little concerned about her until we got to Newfound Gap. We had hiked in rain for two days and an ice storm. When we reached the Gap she said “I’ve beaten all the bets,” Maine here I come! Friends and family had a pool on when she would quit. The Newfound Gap in the Smokies was the longest distance bet!! We’ve been asked many times did we ever what to quit, and we always answered NO. Neither of us ever had a doubt we would finish. Papa Smurf and Flame GA-ME '02

Hey Spiz how did your ankle get! I’ve got a picture of you, Pickle, Rafter Jack and me on Katahdin! if you are interested let me know.

Papa Smurf