(Editor’s Note: Rather than the usual excerpt, it seems like the entire content of the following post was sent to subscribers’ inboxes. From what I can tell, a glitch happened with the subscription plugin during a recent update. The issue has been resolved; apologies for the hiccup).
Phrases such as “hike your own hike,” “the trail provides,” “you pack your fears,” and “don’t quit on a bad day” are frequently heard on US long-distance trails. While pondering these oft-repeated expressions during a recent trek around the Olympic Peninsula, I began musing about some of the things that thru-hikers never – or at least very rarely – put into words:
1. “I wish I didn’t bring so much chocolate.”
2. “This zero day really sucks.”
3. “I can’t believe how comfy my new 1/8″ CCF mat is!”
4. “Not a day goes past when I don’t regret ditching that camp chair.”
5. “Nah, I’m cool with a single scoop.”
Before and after a 300 mi (483 km) hike around Washington’s Olympic Peninsula (September, 2024).
6. “I don’t accept rides with strangers.”
7. “I’m digging the challenge of putting on these wet toe socks.”
8. “I never get tired of Clif Bars.”
9. “Rawlins, WY, is my favorite trail town in America.”
10. “I could have picked up last year’s model trail runners for 60 percent off, but I prefer the color combo of the 2024 edition.”
Brooks Cascadia 17
11. “I’m so done with the outdoors after this trip.”
12. “Groundhogs, smoundhogs………shepherd hooks were all I needed for my hike across Iceland.”
13. “I’ll trade you this packet of potato chips for some oatmeal and a handful of trail mix?”
14. “Mushy? Nah, my movements have been rock solid for the whole month I’ve been out.”
15. “I realize it’s peak bug season, but I wish I’d have saved some weight and left my head net at home.”
South of Lake Myvatn, Iceland Traverse (Late August, 2023).
16. “I feel so much safer knowing that my hiking partner is carrying a gun.”
17. “I never seem to get my money’s worth at AYCE buffets.”
18. “I wish this inflatable sleeping mat was a wee bit narrower.”
19. “Sure, I’d be happy to carry out your poop bag seeing as you’re not heading into town.”
20. “I’ve never felt so welcome on a trail as I did on the eastern WA section of the Pacific Northwest Trail.”
Eastern Washinton, Pacific Northwest Trail (July 2011).
(Side Note: While the US may be the “no trespassing” capital of the world, my favorite such sign is probably the one I spotted on Stewart Island, NZ, in 2010……….)
21. “Thanks for the offer of a hot meal, but I think I’ll stick with my cold-soaked beans.”
22. “I can’t believe how durable these Altras are!”
23. “Sorry, there’s no space.” (Scenario: A fellow hiker arrives at a backcountry hut or lean-to late at night and/or in stormy weather).
24. “As soon as I finish this thru-hike, I swear I’m going back to my 80-liter backpack and leather boots.”
25. “I’d rather be in the office.”
Yours truly with the Dana Designs Terraplane backpack (7.28 lb/3.3 kg) and Scarpa boots on a thru-hike of the Pyrenean Haute Route in 1999.
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