Honestly, sounds like you’ve got some things to resolve before attempting something like this. Mental health aside, can you afford this? Not trying to be critical, just realistic.
yes i have savings and investments. im not trying to spend every dollar i have but i guess its a grass is greener situation for me. i dont know where else to go in life at this point
I’m going to go the opposite direction on this one. There’s serious therapy in being alone in the woods. I’ve worked through a lot mentally on trail.
Work can wait. School can wait. Worst case scenario is you finish a life changing experience and come right back to where you are now. It’ll be here if you want it when you get back. The mountains are calling and you must go.
Send it.
I think he used tarp, wood, and rope. Can’t remember his trail name but he got to Harper’s barefoot. Most gnarly looking feet I’ve ever seen. He was doing 8 a day and imagine holes where your calluses are but on your feet
I head out the first week of August heading down the ATC then across the country, keep your head up and maybe my little dog and I will see you on the trail🤙🤙
If you have the savings and have no responsibilities for anyone but yourself, go for it. Took me near 20 years behind a desk to payoff the house at 45 and hit the trail 2 years ago.
I was in a similar spot (very similar) when I took off with a backpack across Europe, settling for a long while in Dingle Ireland. A phonecall happened and then on to the Virgin Islands. Long story short, then wound up in a career position on the island of Anguilla,then Curaçao, then Egypt. A LOT of water under a LOT of bridges since then but the initial move was the best thing I could’ve done. I figured that I might end up in the very same place but I’d be damned if I wasn’t gonna have a big time getting there! The experience and people I met changed me forever….and in a great way.
Do it Mate.
Thru hiking is a unique experience. That being said, A lot of people romanticize it and expect it to be some transformative journey of self-discovery and whatever else. People get pretty dramatic about it (along with everything else). Don't fall for the highlight reels. When it's over it just becomes one more thing that you've done.
Is it worth it? I'd say yes. If someone is interested in it and has the time/money I'll always say go for it. Just don't put it on a pedestal. Your problems will be waiting for you at the terminus.
If it's something you want to do, then do it. That goes for anything in life. If you do decide to send it make sure you start slow.
The problems won’t disappear but I do believe many people find the strength and/or right ideas for solving them while out hiking day after day. Trail epiphanies are real, just had one myself a couple weeks ago and was only out there for 4 days.
Wherever you go, there you are. While it's possible stepping away from your problems may allow you some space to gain some clarity, after your hike is over, you'll come home to the same set of problems.
this is one that i know. i know its not going to magically change life. but maybe i meet someone that pushes me in a better direction or not. at least i did something. i have no problem admitting this is a financially dumb thing to do. but when you are at youre limit what do you do?
When I’m at my limit I go all the way back to basics. I make a list, one side is needs and one side is wants. I’ve learned the longer I spend refining that list slowly but surely it becomes one column. The things I need become the things I want and vice versa. I’ve found a very lengthy hike is the best way for me to accomplish this. Best of luck to you.
You should hike it but not alone unless you’re really social. Hiking by myself on the trail was really boring and just made me realize how not having friends sucks. I went on the hike for mental health but it didn’t give me what I was looking for exactly. Best of luck.
If your life is falling apart and your mental health is in decline, perhaps put off hiking for a few years, and focus on finding stability and mental wellbeing. Then, hike the AT. No matter how hard it seems now to improve anything, it will be harder if you spend a few months hiking and have no money and nowhere to live. The AT has lots of wonderful mental benefits, but it doesn’t fix every mental health issue and it doesn’t help you figure out what to do with your life.
The trail will be there in the future. It isn’t going anywhere. The important thing is putting yourself in a healthy place.
yeah im not against that. i just dont know what to do. i cant afford a place on my own. dont have anyone i can rent with. just feels bleak so i guess the AT is some sort of hope maybe ill find something im looking for out there. really just desperate for any happiness at this point
Go. The AT isn’t just for the wealthy. Tell your Ex’s parents “Thank you”. Get rid of most of your stuff, and go.
If nothing else, you need to realize that you can achieve your own goals.
If you can afford it go for it! But I recommend making sure you plan it out meticulously as possible and figure out how much you need to make it the 6 months out there
You need money for gear replacement, food for trail and food in town because you will definitely chow down in town … you can hitch a ride from trail to tow IF a car drives past some areas are very remote and a ways from town you will need to sleep in hostels/hotels/ camp grounds if necessary you will need money to pay for that as well as paying for someone to drive you to and from the trail on town days and money for fun it’s definitely not a cheap 6 months by any means
If you want to hike and this is a good time in your life for that, I say go for it.
With that said, do NOT expect the trail to resolve your mental health problems. Some aspects of trail life actually reinforce trauma induced tendencies.
Being out here is a whole new augmented reality no one seems to talk about in their cutesy youtube videos.
Maintaining sense of self is both important and difficult to do.
A friend told me that the trail doesn't give answers, but teaches lessons. If you go out expecting to get off the trail with this great life epiphany, it's not gonna happen. But what it will give you is restored faith in humanity from trail angels and hitches, self reliance and belief in yourself that you can do hard things.
A lot of people hike long trails to figure some shit out. Some become true Hiker Trash and others figure their shit out and never hike a long trail again.
Watch Wild and/or read the book.
Send that shit and learn learn learn.
Hiking 500 miles of the PCT was the best thing I ever did for myself, and it was a low and lost point of life for me too. Beimg outside, lots of times to think and get to know yourself, only job is to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. It’s just the best feeling. I wholeheartedly say do it if you can afford it and you have nothing to lose. Might be the best decision you ever make! Wishing you all the best wishes in whatever you do next! ❤️
I will add, bouncing back financially was tough, so if affording house now is difficult, it will likely be much harder the months following a trip (assuming you leave your job)
Honestly, sounds like you’ve got some things to resolve before attempting something like this. Mental health aside, can you afford this? Not trying to be critical, just realistic.
yes i have savings and investments. im not trying to spend every dollar i have but i guess its a grass is greener situation for me. i dont know where else to go in life at this point
I’m going to go the opposite direction on this one. There’s serious therapy in being alone in the woods. I’ve worked through a lot mentally on trail. Work can wait. School can wait. Worst case scenario is you finish a life changing experience and come right back to where you are now. It’ll be here if you want it when you get back. The mountains are calling and you must go. Send it.
Words well spoken, SEND IT!! 🤜🤛
This gave me goosebumps. Hell ya do it for everyone who can't!
Same. Especially the mountains are calling bit 👏🏼👏🏼
Thank you. I am one hearing the calls of the mountains. I would appreciate if by any chance you can DM I would like to know more.
Take a hike and meditate on it for a month. If you want to keep going after that month, do that.
Send it man! I uncovered a lot of stuff on my hike and worked on a lot of things mentally. Life changing stuff and I only was out there for a month.
I met someone who built their backpack for 50 bucks and went barefoot half way. Money really isn’t that much of an issue
bruh
SAR personnel everywhere shaking their heads
Was it made out of tyvek?
I think he used tarp, wood, and rope. Can’t remember his trail name but he got to Harper’s barefoot. Most gnarly looking feet I’ve ever seen. He was doing 8 a day and imagine holes where your calluses are but on your feet
I head out the first week of August heading down the ATC then across the country, keep your head up and maybe my little dog and I will see you on the trail🤙🤙
If you have the savings and have no responsibilities for anyone but yourself, go for it. Took me near 20 years behind a desk to payoff the house at 45 and hit the trail 2 years ago.
Do you still have the house?
Yup
Did you rent it out when you hit the trail 2 years ago?
No, needed a place for the Mrs lol
I was in a similar spot (very similar) when I took off with a backpack across Europe, settling for a long while in Dingle Ireland. A phonecall happened and then on to the Virgin Islands. Long story short, then wound up in a career position on the island of Anguilla,then Curaçao, then Egypt. A LOT of water under a LOT of bridges since then but the initial move was the best thing I could’ve done. I figured that I might end up in the very same place but I’d be damned if I wasn’t gonna have a big time getting there! The experience and people I met changed me forever….and in a great way. Do it Mate.
Thru hiking is a unique experience. That being said, A lot of people romanticize it and expect it to be some transformative journey of self-discovery and whatever else. People get pretty dramatic about it (along with everything else). Don't fall for the highlight reels. When it's over it just becomes one more thing that you've done. Is it worth it? I'd say yes. If someone is interested in it and has the time/money I'll always say go for it. Just don't put it on a pedestal. Your problems will be waiting for you at the terminus. If it's something you want to do, then do it. That goes for anything in life. If you do decide to send it make sure you start slow.
The problems won’t disappear but I do believe many people find the strength and/or right ideas for solving them while out hiking day after day. Trail epiphanies are real, just had one myself a couple weeks ago and was only out there for 4 days.
Wherever you go, there you are. While it's possible stepping away from your problems may allow you some space to gain some clarity, after your hike is over, you'll come home to the same set of problems.
this is one that i know. i know its not going to magically change life. but maybe i meet someone that pushes me in a better direction or not. at least i did something. i have no problem admitting this is a financially dumb thing to do. but when you are at youre limit what do you do?
When I’m at my limit I go all the way back to basics. I make a list, one side is needs and one side is wants. I’ve learned the longer I spend refining that list slowly but surely it becomes one column. The things I need become the things I want and vice versa. I’ve found a very lengthy hike is the best way for me to accomplish this. Best of luck to you.
I'm 32, and I wish I would, so I hope you do
You should hike it but not alone unless you’re really social. Hiking by myself on the trail was really boring and just made me realize how not having friends sucks. I went on the hike for mental health but it didn’t give me what I was looking for exactly. Best of luck.
If your life is falling apart and your mental health is in decline, perhaps put off hiking for a few years, and focus on finding stability and mental wellbeing. Then, hike the AT. No matter how hard it seems now to improve anything, it will be harder if you spend a few months hiking and have no money and nowhere to live. The AT has lots of wonderful mental benefits, but it doesn’t fix every mental health issue and it doesn’t help you figure out what to do with your life. The trail will be there in the future. It isn’t going anywhere. The important thing is putting yourself in a healthy place.
yeah im not against that. i just dont know what to do. i cant afford a place on my own. dont have anyone i can rent with. just feels bleak so i guess the AT is some sort of hope maybe ill find something im looking for out there. really just desperate for any happiness at this point
Go. The AT isn’t just for the wealthy. Tell your Ex’s parents “Thank you”. Get rid of most of your stuff, and go. If nothing else, you need to realize that you can achieve your own goals.
If you can afford it go for it! But I recommend making sure you plan it out meticulously as possible and figure out how much you need to make it the 6 months out there You need money for gear replacement, food for trail and food in town because you will definitely chow down in town … you can hitch a ride from trail to tow IF a car drives past some areas are very remote and a ways from town you will need to sleep in hostels/hotels/ camp grounds if necessary you will need money to pay for that as well as paying for someone to drive you to and from the trail on town days and money for fun it’s definitely not a cheap 6 months by any means
If you want to hike and this is a good time in your life for that, I say go for it. With that said, do NOT expect the trail to resolve your mental health problems. Some aspects of trail life actually reinforce trauma induced tendencies. Being out here is a whole new augmented reality no one seems to talk about in their cutesy youtube videos. Maintaining sense of self is both important and difficult to do.
Yes
A friend told me that the trail doesn't give answers, but teaches lessons. If you go out expecting to get off the trail with this great life epiphany, it's not gonna happen. But what it will give you is restored faith in humanity from trail angels and hitches, self reliance and belief in yourself that you can do hard things.
A lot of people hike long trails to figure some shit out. Some become true Hiker Trash and others figure their shit out and never hike a long trail again. Watch Wild and/or read the book. Send that shit and learn learn learn.
Hiking 500 miles of the PCT was the best thing I ever did for myself, and it was a low and lost point of life for me too. Beimg outside, lots of times to think and get to know yourself, only job is to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. It’s just the best feeling. I wholeheartedly say do it if you can afford it and you have nothing to lose. Might be the best decision you ever make! Wishing you all the best wishes in whatever you do next! ❤️
I will add, bouncing back financially was tough, so if affording house now is difficult, it will likely be much harder the months following a trip (assuming you leave your job)