(Editor’s Note: Rather than the usual excerpt, it appears that the entire contents of the following message were sent to subscribers’ inboxes. From what I can tell, there was an issue with the subscription plugin during a recent update. The problem has been resolved; apologies for the hiccup).
Phrases such as “do your own hike,” “the trail provides, “ ““you pack away your fears” and “don’t give up on a bad day” are frequently heard on long-distance trails in the United States. Reflecting on these oft-repeated expressions during a recent trip around THE Olympic Peninsula, I started thinking about some things that hikers never – or at least very rarely – put into words:
1. “I wish I hadn’t brought so much chocolate.”
2. “This zero day really sucks.”
3. “I can’t believe how comfortable my new 1/8″ CCF mat is!”
4. “Not a day goes by that I don’t regret giving up that camping chair.”
5. “No, I’m cool with one scoop.”
Before and after a 300-mile hike around Washington’s Olympic Peninsula (September 2024).
6. “I don’t accept walks with strangers.”
7. “I love the challenge of putting on those wet socks.”
8. “I never get tired of Clif Bars.”
9. “Rawlins, WY, is my favorite trail town in America.”
10. “I could have bought last year’s trail models for 60% off, but I prefer the color combination of the 2024 edition.”
Brooks Cascadie 17
11. “I’m so tired of the outdoors after this trip”
12.”Marmots, marmots………shepherd’s hooks were all I needed for my trek through Iceland.
13. “Shall I trade you this bag of chips for some oatmeal and a handful of trail mix?”
14. “Mushy? No, my movements have been solid the entire month I’ve been out.
15. “I realize it’s peak insect season, but I wish I’d gained a little weight and left my net at home.”
South of Lake Myvatn, Iceland Traverse (end of August 2023).
16. “I feel so much safer knowing my hiking partner carries a gun.”
17. “I never seem to get my money’s worth at AYCE buffets.”
18. “I wish this air mattress was a little narrower.”
19. “Sure, I’d be happy to carry your poop bag, since you’re not going into town.”
20. “I have never felt more welcome on a trail than on the eastern Washington section of the Pacific Northwest Trail.”
Eastern Washington, Pacific Northwest Trail (July 2011).
(Additional note: Although the United States may be the “no trespassing” capital of the world, my favorite sign is probably the one I spotted on Stewart Island, New Zealand, in 2010……….)
21. “Thanks for the offer of a hot meal, but I think I’ll stick to my cold soaked beans.”
22. “I can’t believe how durable these Altras are!”
23. “Sorry, there’s no room.” (Scenario: A hiking companion arrives at a backcountry hut or shelter late at night and/or during stormy weather).
24. “As soon as I finish this hike, I swear I will go back to my 80 liter backpack and my leather boots.”
25. “I’d rather be in the office.”
Yours with the Dana Designs Terraplane backpack (3.3 kg) and Scarpa boots while hiking the Haute Route des Pyrénées in 1999.
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