Re: [at-l] Why is we do what we do?

[Rick Bombaci <rpb@eoni.com>]

Ron Moak wrote:

>In part, this is in response to Grey Owl's comments about thru-hiker types.
>
>A few years ago while on our return hike on the AT I was somewhat troubled
>by my son's apparent view of the AT trip as a long party. I kept wanting him
>to see the AT as I had 20 years earlier. For the life of me I couldn't
>understand why he saw it the way he did. For a long time that troubled me. 
>
>Only lately have I come to understand that it was crazy of me to expect he'd
>see it thorough my eyes. The fact that the AT would mean something different
>to him than me shouldn't be a surprise.
>
>Now I'm just glad that he likes to hike and doesn't mind accompanying his
>old dad on a hike. 
>
>This summer I'm headed to the PCT and he'll be joining me for about a 1000
>miles. Now I'm just glad for the company. Without a doubt we'll have many
>different reasons for being there. Still we'll have lots in common also. 
>
>In the process of resolving this internal conflict, I had to ask myself "Why
>it is I like to hike long distances?".  I have to say I've not come to any
>firm conclusions.
>
>So why do you like to hike?
>
>Ron "Fallingwater" Moak

Thanks for the reminder, Ron.  I've invited my 20-year-old nephew to join
me, and he will probably have a totally different take on the AT than me.
Better for me to remember that now than later.

As for "Why is it I like to hike long distances?"  My journal from '98 says--

"Here I sit on yet another splendid evening ridgetop.  Tonight, the moon
rises just as the sun sets, like a pair of perfectly balanced
counterweights.  What a day!  How many times can I say that!  Over and over
and over, I can I can.  It is because I feel thankful for so much, so
often, when I am on the trail, that I do this.  I do this to exult in the
glory of Creation.  I do this to practice the habit of thankfulness.  Now,
250 miles into this hike, my question Why? is answered, and I find myself
at peace.

Over my left shoulder, the full moon is now free of earth, touching no
ground, free to float, a perfect mottled pale yellow against a perfect dark
gray sky.  And overhead?  Naught but a depthless blue.  There is nothing
between me and heaven.  Thank you, thank you."

* From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List |  http://www.backcountry.net  *

==============================================================================