April 6, 1997 (Day 18 – milepoint 178.6 – Spence Field Shelter)

Someone told me to set my watch forward this morning, so I did, and then I had a good laugh because it seemed like a waste of time. I’ve barely looked at it.

Ahh, sending my watch home… to lighten the load of time…

I was up and walking at sunrise, excited to enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Through rain and fog, purple lightning (yes purple lightening) added layers and mass to the misty morning shadows. That was a unique experience. The rain was actually very pleasant while walking uphill for six miles from Fontana Dam. Once I was certain the lightning had passed, I enjoyed a great view from the fire tower at the summit of Shuckstack Mountain. No question about why these are called the Smoky Mountains. A combination of low clouds, mist, and fog filled the air. So beautiful and alive.

As I approached Mollie’s Ridge Shelter (mile 173.5) for a lunch break, the smell of sausage filled the air. My entire body reacted to the scent and it was a struggle to hide the ravenous beast in me as I introduced myself to two very lively couples traveling the trail on horseback, all members of the Smoky Mountain Trail Riders Club. They fed me, but that is only one of the reasons I liked them so much. The men were boasting about the days when they used to chase women. Their wives just shook their heads and smiled. After a few minutes, one of them turned to me and said, “We let them talk all they want because we know better. Heck, our dogs chase cars all day long with no clue how to drive one…”

Stopped for the night at Spence Field Shelter. I actually have the shelter all to myself. This is rare. No complaints. Took a short nap when I arrived and woke up a little before dusk feeling woozy. I had to get up and walk around a bit before I finally realized it was those sausage patties. Nothing a trip to the privy couldn’t handle…

15.5 miles today felt very good. I’m really grooving, physically. I feel like my body has adjusted itself to trail life. I’m confident in my ability to survive and thrive out here. Hmm, 18 days. I wonder what other people are experiencing?

It is remarkable how efficiently the body processes everything you do to it when you’re moving eight to ten hours a day. Converting every usable calorie into energy and very quickly disposing of that which does not serve the effort. I wake up refreshed and energized each morning no matter how worn out I am the day before. Loving this feeling while still holding space for humility and respect.

The weather cleared and offered a very pink sunset. I would have to qualify this as one of the most peaceful evenings of my life.

Aquaholic

April 6, 2009

Hey Aquaholic,

A friend asked me today about what it might be like to hike the AT with his son. I’ve often pondered the same question. Assuming either or both of my boys would want to do it, I think it would be an amazing experience.

You would have to consider several key factors. Every single hiker will be challenged physically, emotionally, and mentally. Guaranteed. You also have to consider time, money, and “whose idea is this anyway?”

Obviously, every person is different, as is every parent-child relationship, but here are a few thoughts.

The AT is a rigorous test of endurance for the first two months. Eases up for two months, then hammers you again for two months. It is difficult to imagine a person younger than 15 or 16 being able to sustain the mental challenge of a full thru-hike. It also seems to me that the physical pounding could be an issue if the child is still growing a lot. School schedules are an issue, too. That can be overcome by doing the trail in sections, such as two months at a time over three summers.

At any age, walking in the woods for six months will serve as an invaluable contemplative segue into the rest of one’s life. As a parent-child adventure, I would first look at two key time periods: post high school (18-ish) or post college (22-ish). Beyond that age, it really depends a lot on the parent’s state of health. I’ll be 51 when my younger son turns 18 – very doable.

Physically, the kids have the advantage of youth and invincibility, but younger hikers tend to push their boundaries further and take unnecessary risks. We adults have a more intimate awareness of our limits. What physical prowess we have lost over the years, we make up for in mental endurance and a painfully reduced ego.

The emotional factor is split. We adults should benefit from emotional maturity. But while the kids may not have as many emotional coping tools at their disposal, they may benefit by having fewer emotional triggers. Of course, this is all speculative.

I spent around $6,000-$7,000 on my hike in ‘97. I could easily have spent less if I chose to. More was not an option at that time. Without having done any research into this, I would imagine spending $10,000-$12,000 in this day and age… per person. Could spend less or more depending…

I think the biggest factor to consider in regard to hiking the AT with your child is that he or she must have an intrinsic desire to go on this journey. You will both spend a lot of time alone with your own thoughts. Your inner voice must be supportive of where you are and what you are doing. In a way, you have to share a mutually selfish journey.

While I won’t try to push my kids into hiking the AT with me, they’ll know they won’t have to twist my rubber arms to go with them.

O’