And They're Off! (NOBOs, That Is)

As April comes to a close today, the majority of this year's "class" of northbound Appalachian Trail thru-hikers (a.k.a. "NOBOs") are on trail.

Some started in February (a few even earlier) and some will start in May, but the majority of NOBOs have touched the plaque on Springer Mountain and are en route to Katahdin.

Their journeys will last 4-7 months, depending on many factors. And that's presuming they go all the way to Katahdin, almost 2200 miles north. For many, the journey ends somewhere south of there, for any of a number of reasons.

Today, there are NOBO thru-hikers on trail from Georgia into Virginia, with a few even farther north. A section of trail that is hosting a passel of thru-hikers is said to be experiencing "thru-hiker season," a boon to businesses in small towns near the trail.

Hikers take on "trail names" as an easy way to refer to each other. This year, some of the names are: Catching Dreams, Denver Dave, Flatlander, Green T, Groove, Ketchup, N Da Wind, Phoenix Rising, Ramble~On, Yard Sale, and my favorite name so far: The Dread Pirate Ishmael Buttercup Thyme; Child of Fortune. (Surely, his trail name must have a nickname!)

Lots of hikers post journal entries at TrailJournals.com, which can be a fun diversion and quite the time sink for those of us who wish we were on trail. Trail Journals is also a way for hikers to keep up with each other while on trail--jump on a computer in town and check "TJ" to see where your trail friends are and to leave a note for them.

For folks at home, living in "street life," it seems strange, crazy, or at least abnormal for someone to spend weeks and months on trail. But for a hiker, it doesn't take long for trail life to feel totally normal--like that's what a person is supposed to be doing, and it's the people in street life who are living an illusion.

My, I can really get to missing it all!

I wish all of the '09 hikers well, thru-hikers and section-hikers and weekenders, on the A.T. and other trails. I sum up this wish in three words, the ones I use to close my trail register entries...

Happy trails, y'all!

Key Hiking Principle #3: HAVE FUN!

This is the third of three key principles I share when I teach backpacking. Like some of the ideas in key principles #1 and #2, it seems perhaps a no-brainer, but let's not give it short shrift. After all, I have met plenty of people who, on learning that I enjoy backpacking, have said, "For Heaven's sake, why?!?"

For me, "Have Fun!" is shorthand for "Whatever your reasons for backpacking, get the most out of it." I doubt there are as many reasons to hike as there are hikers, but there surely are a breadth of reasons.

Enjoyment. It's fun to pop out of the trees and onto a rock outcropping with a 180-degree view. It's fun to see wildlife in their own habitats. It's fun to laugh with friends over oatmeal laced with Ghirardelli chocolate bits.

Bonding. Spending time with family or friends where there is no interference... Ahhhh!

Exercise. Nothing like carrying 30 pounds up a steep trail to get the heart pumping!

Gratitude. When life is simple, it's easier to notice and appreciate the little things: a cool breeze, a flat-on-your-back rest, the amazing colors in nature, or the kindness of another person.

Self-Reliance. There is something sublimely powerful about carrying your house on your back. Sure, your pack is full of items purchased via modern convenience, but carrying all you need for several days gives a sense of self-reliance that is rare in today's society.

Going Places No Vehicle Has Gone Before. Hiking gives you access to places that are not reachable by vehicle (save, maybe, being lowered from a helicopter). In a society where most people stay close to their cars, it's empowering to reach a remote places on foot. Even better if it's a landmark you can see from a distance and know, "I walked there!"

Disconnecting. It's hard to be disconnected in a society where everyone has a phone in her pocket. Many hikers bring phones into the woods, too. But at least for now, battery life limits the time a phone can be turned on, and you can't be sure you'll get a signal where you're going. So you can honestly tell the folks at work and home that you will be unavailable and unreachable, and you can choose to leave that phone at home or turned off.

Spiritual Renewal. Being immersed in nature. Walking for hours. Sitting in silence before a beautiful view. Going to bed at 9pm. All of these are rare in daily life, and all are opportunities to rest the mind from daily worries, to instead hear the voice of whatever is important within your spiritual belief system.

These are some of the ways people "have fun" while backpacking. If you're a hiker and have other reasons, please post a comment and share them.

Going hiking? #1 Stay safe. #2 Hike your own hike. And, #3 Have fun!