The Appalachian Trail is Not Fun

if I had been to put in writing a e book about my time on the Appalachian Trail, I might title it “The Appalachian Trail is Not Fun”. When leaving for my try at a flip flop, many stated to me, “Have fun!” After greater than 2 weeks on the path, I’m not discovering it “fun”. People hike the path to heal, to flee, and to take pleasure in a problem. I do know that I’m mountaineering for all three causes.

Nope. Not Fun

Leaving Harper’s Ferry discovered me on the Ed Garvey shelter on an evening under freezing. My mountaineering accomplice that I met on Facebook acquired off to a really not enjoyable begin. Both her calves cramped on the similar time and threw her face first right into a rock. Her glasses saved her, however had been then gouged and scratched. Her tent broke the primary evening and her physique was near breaking as effectively. We parted methods and that wasn’t enjoyable both.

No Fun Yet

The subsequent days noticed a warmth wave with temps within the 90s. Heat is my nemesis and I discovered myself sitting in creeks trying to chill off. Poison ivy follows a lot of the path and I’m at all times on guard. Three falls left my shins bruised and battered. Ticks lurk within the grasses reaching for no matter meal they’ll connect to. The Pennsylvania rocks are tearing up my sneakers and my ft. The final day of mountaineering earlier than I acquired off for a zero day was 18 miles to Rausch Gap shelter in a 40° rain. Not enjoyable. So why am I out right here?

We Soldier On

Despite the hardships and sure, I do know I’m “soft”, I don’t need to go away the path. I can not establish what retains me right here however I do know I’m not able to be performed. It could possibly be the individuals I meet alongside the best way, the kindness from strangers, or the occasional views of the Pennsylvania nation facet. Whatever the issue that retains me strolling, I plan to maintain strolling so long as my physique will let me.

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