For me, Thru Hiking is about the adventure, life long trail friends, wildlife encounters and of course all those epic landscapes but it is much more! I never really mention all the awesome people that I meet in towns so here is the most memorable locals that I have meet;
1. I was sitting at the pub and pondering what I should do for the -5F (-25C) arctic blast that was arriving the next day and I somehow started talking to another Australian, Monique @anothersouth. We were happily talking away for well over an hour when I realised the time and started to pack up to get back on trail. Monique and her family were saying in a cottage around the corner and offered a hot shower and a warm bed for the night. I actually declined but eventually caved to this temptation. I was so glad that I did as I ended up spending a couple of days hanging out with the most epic and nice people imaginable. It somehow was like being back home, I played board games and Lego with the kids, watched footy and just sat on the couch and had long informative chats.
2. Leaving the 3 Sisters on the PCT I had a swollen foot and wanted to get into town to ice it. I was hitching for 30 seconds when a car pulls over and asks what I’m up to and I asked for a lift I to town. He ponders me for a moment and then asks if I’m a crazy person. I was taken aback and that was enough for him. He then proceeded to offer dinner and a place to sleep for the night. I ended up spending a wonderful zero day kayaking with him and his family along a pristine Oregon lake with @adventuring_photos
3. I rolled into the town of Escalante a little beat. I just spent 6 very challenging days totally alone on the Hayduke. I while I recovered at the caravan park I met not 1 but 3 top notch people @luminous_leslie. I was socially drained after 3 weeks of almost no social interaction and I had a fantastic time simply taking and swapping stories the lawn with them. We even managed to catch up later that year.
This is by no means a defining list as so many people along the way choose to open up their lives to me, a random stranger. They had nothing to gain from this, yet so often did.
Have you had a wonderful experience?
Great Ocean Walk – Day 1 (36 miles | 60km)
How good is walking? I was a bit drained from that last trip but back to thinking it is the best thing since sliced bread after a 2 month break.
I got out early and spent the day wandering along 100ft (30m) cliff tops or scurrying away from waves as I tried to stay on the compacted sand.
The first hour or 2 was spent finding a rhythm, but once that came the rest of the day was spent daydreaming and reflecting on my changing life.
The trail today was very good to exquisite for a coastal walk. Sandstone cliffs, secluded beaches and so many animals. A rare black cockatoo was the highlight with echidnas, snakes, wallabies and kangaroos all making an appearance.
The weather was rather wet, with constant storm fronts rolling in. I think this made the day even more interesting as I got to see the whole storm cycle as the clouds build up out to sea a and slowly came crashing into the coastline.
Night came and I did not want it to end so hiked an extra half an hour before setting up camp for the night.
Oh, I passed the 15,000 miles (24,000km) hiked on long distance trails. It means nothing to no one but it is nice to reflect on how much time I have spent outside and how totally worth ever moment has been.
