palimpsest

I wrote this in June of 2000 and submitted it as a Letter to the Editor of the local paper. I do not believe it was printed.

Next time I decide to get away for the weekend I’m first going read the book entitled “What three city boys should not try to accomplish in two days, especially if they are out of shape.” If no one has written it then I will. A two-day hike, 40lb backpacks and all, down the Appalachian Trail from Reed’s Gap to the Harper’s Creek Shelter and back to Reed’s Gap via the Mau Har trail is more than a challenge. In our case it was torture.

            There were some breathtaking sites and the solitude was great, but the most interesting part of the experience was running into three Through Hikers. I have read about these hikers who begin the long trek from Georgia sometime in April and end up in Maine by October. We ran across Grits, most go by trail names, Saturday afternoon around three. He was a retired steelworker who had taken the AT years ago and due to recent retirement had decided to tackle it once more. He was a very kind gentleman who gave us some information about the trail and showed us valuable books to acquire for future hikes.

            On Sunday afternoon we ran into Headhunter at the Maupin Field Shelter. While taking a break, he spoke with us about equipment and the arduous nature of the hike he was on. So far, he had lost ten pounds, “The best weight loss plan around” according to him. When I asked him if the section we decided to hike was difficult he gave a definite yes, especially in the heat and humidity.

            At the end of our hike, we ran into Party Animal. He and Headhunter had been traveling together off and on. He was on his way to Rusty’s, a favorite gathering place for those passing through. Rusty’s is a place where one can have the luxury of a shower, extremely cold, and a nice place to sleep. Its description seemed very primitive, but when you have been living out of a backpack and tent for days I think luxury becomes redefined. All three of these Through Hikers appeared a little weary but gave no indication they were giving up. About halfway along the 2000-mile trail, they still had much ahead of them. Here we were three inexperienced city boys, thinking our little two-day jaunt was murder, yet these guys had more than a hundred days journey remaining. If I acquired anything from this adventure it is a distinct feeling of respect for these Through Hikers with so much vigor and dedication. Have a safe trip guys.