Definition of a Thru-hiker: A thru-hiker is a backpacker who attempts to hike a long-distance trail from end to end in a single continuous journey, usually spanning one hiking season. Popularized by trails like the Appalachian Trail (AT) or Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), this endeavor typically takes months and involves backpacking, camping, and resupplying along the way.
I want to come back in my next life as a thru-hiker. I’m so envious of these people. They have such a great appreciation for nature. Also, oh, the things they see! Not to mention the incredible shape they have to be in to complete a thru-hike.
My first goal would be the U.S. Triple Crown of hikes. This includes the Appalachian Trail running from Georgia to Maine, the Continental Divide Trail running from Mexico to Canada, and last, but certainly not least, the Pacific Crest Trail also running from Mexico to Canada, but covering different states.
All three of these trails are in the neighborhood of 3,000 miles—give or take a few hundred miles. To complete any of them would be an amazing feat. However, to do all three would be epic! That is a life well spent. Can you even imagine the things you would see, the people you would meet, and the experiences you would have? It would have to be life-changing. Oh, the stories you could tell.
Not to limit myself to the U.S., next on my list would be the Camino de Santiago. Now, there is a trail! It has many branches, but the heart of it is in Spain. I’ve been to Spain, and it is a delightful country. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to hike. It has to be amazing.
A couple of years ago, I had a client who hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy, and Switzerland. She told me all about it. I peppered her with a hundred questions. I wanted to live vicariously and know everything about her experience. It was fascinating. Not to mention hard AF. Mountains, folks.
Regularly, I hike in a park near where I live, and it’s very nice. I also hit state and national parks whenever I get the chance, but those are just day hikes. I love the idea of leaving my normal life for several months to just walk. What an adventure that would be.
I say I’m saving this for my next life because if we are being totally honest, in this life, I’m very soft. I need clean underwear, three solid meals a day, and a toilet. None of this shit concerns a true thru-hiker. They are bold and carefree. I’ve never been described as carefree. I have way too much anxiety.
Since I don’t feel I’m built to be a thru-hiker in this life, I get my fix in books and documentaries. I will watch and read anything about these amazing people and their treks. I cannot tell you the number of audiobooks I’ve listened to with thru-hikers relaying their experiences. I hang on every word.
So, I guess I’ll just keep reading and watching these adventures, preparing my future self to take the plunge as well as the damn hike.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
