Great travelogue, Erik! The joy you experience and document so well reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from Joseph Campbell:
"People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think that what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances with our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive."
I've section hiked the PCT and half the AZT and I always feel a little weird telling thru hikers I'm section hiking. I'm happy with my choice; not interested in five months doing one thing. But still...there's sort of a dream around thru hiking. Why? Don't know.
Yeah, I don't know. To be honest, I see some kind of significance in completing a defined thing. I know it doesn't compare to completing one of the big 3, but telling people about the Georgia Loop helped. I've done plenty of section hikes and day trips. I value all of them greatly, but still somehow have the drive to do the big defined thing.
Great story Erik - there is nothing like the conversations that happen on trail, with a bit of time and nothing to do but walk. I'm betting you will do the whole thing one day (I think OT would say there is still time)
WOW. you weren't joking when you said you thought I'd like Day 3; it was incredible! From the way you introduced us to your confident 10 year old self saying you'd hike the full AT, to meeting OT, the Trail magic, and how you ended with your 10 year old self again...simply captivating.
A part of me was cheering as I read your reflection on how happy and tearful you were after all your encounters. That right there is the quintessential Trail experience...well that + some incredible hiking. Being with people who enjoy each moment of the triumph and hardship just as much as you.
I loved your conversation with OT...what an amazing human. And your thoughts on not seeing God separate from nature...AMEN TO THAT! ugh just so much goodness to unpack here. I'm so happy you got some AT time...maybe someday you WILL get out there and do the full thing...maybe you'll beat me to it ;) after all, if OT can do it at his age, I know you can too.
Haha! Thanks, even reading you wrote about it here is making me remember the day and smile! It wasn't even an over the top crazy day, but it just perfectly matched everything I hoped the experience would be. And OT is such an inspiration. He makes getting older something to look forward to!
What an experience. Great photos. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Great travelogue, Erik! The joy you experience and document so well reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from Joseph Campbell:
"People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think that what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances with our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive."
Wow Baird, that nails it! That quote gives me goosebumps!
Glad you enjoyed that one, Erik! Campbell just says it like it is.
Thoroughly enjoyed this one brother. These field notes are gems
Awesome! Thanks brother!
I really enjoyed this. It sounds like a great day to be out there.
Thanks Mike! It was such a fun day!
I've section hiked the PCT and half the AZT and I always feel a little weird telling thru hikers I'm section hiking. I'm happy with my choice; not interested in five months doing one thing. But still...there's sort of a dream around thru hiking. Why? Don't know.
Yeah, I don't know. To be honest, I see some kind of significance in completing a defined thing. I know it doesn't compare to completing one of the big 3, but telling people about the Georgia Loop helped. I've done plenty of section hikes and day trips. I value all of them greatly, but still somehow have the drive to do the big defined thing.
Great story Erik - there is nothing like the conversations that happen on trail, with a bit of time and nothing to do but walk. I'm betting you will do the whole thing one day (I think OT would say there is still time)
Haha, he absolutely would! Thanks James!
WOW. you weren't joking when you said you thought I'd like Day 3; it was incredible! From the way you introduced us to your confident 10 year old self saying you'd hike the full AT, to meeting OT, the Trail magic, and how you ended with your 10 year old self again...simply captivating.
A part of me was cheering as I read your reflection on how happy and tearful you were after all your encounters. That right there is the quintessential Trail experience...well that + some incredible hiking. Being with people who enjoy each moment of the triumph and hardship just as much as you.
I loved your conversation with OT...what an amazing human. And your thoughts on not seeing God separate from nature...AMEN TO THAT! ugh just so much goodness to unpack here. I'm so happy you got some AT time...maybe someday you WILL get out there and do the full thing...maybe you'll beat me to it ;) after all, if OT can do it at his age, I know you can too.
Haha! Thanks, even reading you wrote about it here is making me remember the day and smile! It wasn't even an over the top crazy day, but it just perfectly matched everything I hoped the experience would be. And OT is such an inspiration. He makes getting older something to look forward to!
I'm glad the AT was able to deliver!😍