Lets play a visualization game, shall we?
Close your eyes and envision outer space just moments after the big bang. What do you see? Chaos, right? Some gasses are spinning off in separate directions while others are pulled together due to their gravitational force. That is until another wave of hot gasses ruptures through and breaks the converging mass thus creating a whole new series of smaller sets of gasses as well as other converging masses. The only constant- is change.
Now, replace “hot gasses” with “smelly hikers” and you have accurately grasped the social construct of the Appalachian Trail. Actually, the proper term would be “smelly hiker with hot gasses” (the AT is pretty much a symphony of farts- yes I found it necessary to inform you of that. Blame yourself for ever reading this site).
Prior to departing for the AT, I had imagined the trail to be a cluster of static groups marching north from Springer Mountain, Georgia. And in the early stages of the trail, this is exactly how it worked. Most hikers either come out with another person/multiple people or quickly attach to those within a near proximity, not unlike the way you would make friends on the first day of school. Groups would form to relieve the anxiety of not having to walk through the cold, bare woods by your lonesome. Early on, it wouldn’t be uncommon to witness groups of up to eight people stroll into a campground at a time.
Slowly, however these groups started to break into smaller divisions. The 45 year old school teacher had less in common with the 19 year old stoners than she may have originally considered. Or – the super competitive, army vet wanted to push out big miles while their soon-to-be former hiking companion was slowed due to a series of small nagging injuries. All of a sudden the grouping by proximity philosophy started to prove impermanent.
Soon group dynamics had more to do with common interests and hiking pace. The recent college grads looking to do 22-mile days seemed to find one another. So too did the retirees. Groups of 6-7 now were in clusters of 2-4.
And then eventually, the concept of “group hiking“ breaks down as we know it. Although it’s not unusual for hikers to arrive to a common destination in groups of 2 or 3, the day of the static group is over (with few exceptions, of course).
It is at this point you might hike with the same person for three days, split apart because they needed to stop into town to pick up a mail-drop, only to run into this person two weeks later and resume hiking as if you’ve never separated.
It is at this point you have likely camped underneath the stars by yourself- multiple times.
It is at this point you have likely gone a full day without seeing another human being.
It is at this point in the hike, the AT cliché “hike your own hike” has really taken precedence.
To the reader at home, I understand that the concept of hiking/camping alone for a few days might seem terrifying. I assure you however, that it is not. After a few months of living in the woods, the woods become your mental concept of home. A tree becomes the norm, while a building, road, or artificially scented human being is what stands out as unique. Now, you feel no more uncomfortable walking through the mountains by yourself, as you would have felt sitting on your couch watching TV by yourself just a few months before. We have turned into feral creatures.
But still – you might be thinking, “maybe hiking alone isn’t that bad, but I would still prefer to hike with someone else.” Maybe you would fall into this small subset of people who remain with the same familiar faces. Odds are, however, that you would eventually feel otherwise.
The alternative to “hiking your own hike” is essentially, “to hike someone else’s hike”. This could require forcing big miles in the face of severe fatigue, deviating into the nearest town when you have more than enough supplies to get to the following, or taking it easy on a day where your energy level is screaming 25+ miles. For a few days, or even a few weeks, this compromise may be worth the social security. Remaining with the same person/people for 5-6 months and working around their schedule arouses a level of annoyance meant to be reserved only for those in the institution of marriage. The AT, in large part, is about finding yourself – which is hard to do if you’re living on someone else’s terms.
Collectively, what the social dynamics have evolved into, is a community of independent spirits. Often we are still pack creatures enjoying each others company, but our long-term loyalties are tied only to ourselves.
Finding peace in times of solidarity, I believe, is one of the true benefits of this journey.
Well said!! I just started following your adventures because I recently drove my friends to the AT start in GA and they pointed me to your blog. The AT has a lot of strange parallels to my Peace Corps experience. Nice writing & thanks for sharing.
Very nice write! I look forward to getting that comfortable on the trail.
The herd mentality always seems to be on the edge of our awareness doesn’t it?
I’m not the least bit surprised by your observations but I’ve experienced first hand what happens when you segregate a bunch of brainwashed cattle (aka good folks like ourselves) for any period over 3 days with no access to their stimuli and “real world” distractions.
Basically the shit hits the fan fairly quick, things then settle out and real personalities finally manifest. Then you notice symbiosis begin between kindred spirits with some simply regressing into their own world.
The AT will expose your soul and suck out your very essence if you allow it.
Heed Badger’s words all ho read this with the intention of setting out on this adventure yourselves.
Derp! I meant congregate versus segregate below.
Hard to concentrate on writing when a very large Maine Coon cat (aka Rudy) decides to use the keyboard you are typing on for an impromptu nap.
Great post. Everyone needs alone time. I would think the silence is one of the best parts about hiking.
I would have to disagree with the marriage part though. Perhaps that would be true in an unhappy marriage. Personally I would insert “coworkers” there since there is less choice of who you work with than who you marry.
Zach, your telling of this life experience continues to inspire…but, uh…don’t expect to see me out there any time soon! I’m living vicariously.
I hope you didn’t take offense to the marriage joke- I meant it purely in jest. I’ve been married zero times- therefore my opinion on the matter is null.
My parents came to visit as i was writing that part. They laughed- thankfully 🙂
Thanks for the thoughtful comment as per usual Chuck. Much appreciated!
Thanks for taking the time to check out the site Nico! Although I’m sure there is a lot of cross over between the AT and the Peace Corps- your efforts are being put toward a much greater cause. Thank you for that.
You definitely will Lori. If you have any times of unease early on- reach out and I’d be happy to lend a friendly voice.
I wrestle the bears so you don’t have to Richard. Thanks for keeping in touch man!
Amazing post, as always!
No offense at all. I figured you were joking. Just trying to score points with the spouse 🙂
DIYDAD, you basically just described the early stages of group therapy. In group therapy settings, therapists expect for there to be conflict early (shit hitting the fan), then people eventually feel that they can be themselves. They begin to support one another, particularly where they feel a connection with other members. It’s cool so know that it happens on the AT, too. 🙂 I can’t wait to get there…
great post.
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Great post – i now understand that, undertaking the AT is more of an independent journey – even though you may have a walking partner, and meet other hikers on the way…. its about your journey! You don’t have to stay with these hikers the whole journey…. walk your own way!
Did you ever feel, scared or uneasy when you found yourself alone for a few days? I know you say that, the woods end up feeling like ‘home’ – but you often hear ‘stories’ about some hikers hearing noises / screams / see things they can’t quite explain…. Did you ever experience anything like this, at any point during your time on the Trail?