Ryan Iker on the Appalachian Trail, Summer 2011: Mt. Garfield 8/30

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is approximately 2,181 miles long. The path is maintained by 30 trail clubs and multiple partnerships,and managed by the National Park Service and the nonprofit Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The majority of the trail is in wilderness, although some portions do traverse towns and roads, and cross rivers. The Appalachian Trail is famous for its many hikers, some of whom, called thru-hikers, attempt to hike it in its entirety in a single season. Along the way, the trail passes through the states of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Mt. Garfield 8/30

It looks like they had a good day. They are camping on Mt Garfield, the first mountain in the Presidential Range. They are camping at around 4,000 ft of elevation.

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Why the AT?

Why? ...... I have been questioned more than once what this trip is all about. I’ll try my best to define it in words. I don’t think anything I say will completely describe my thoughts but I need to try to put it into words. I have been working and going to school for 6 and a half years. I haven't had more than a week off at one time since I was 17. I wouldn't trade it for the world but it is time, time to go down a different path. Since I was a kid I have been going to the Smoky Mountains. I grew up playing in the woods. I still do that now. It is where I am happiest. I love feeling the fresh air rush by, hearing the crunch of leaves as animals run around, and being able to think without the distraction of the "real world." Perspective is gained in the woods. Challenge is gained by the trail. Some call me crazy but those who really know me get it. My dad told me, "live for the day." How long has it been since you didn't have to worry about what you are doing tomorrow or next week? Can't answer that question? Me either.

I went over to my dad's house one day about a year ago and he had a National Geographic special on the Appalachian Trail recorded. I sat down and watched it with him. I was sold. This is exactly what I want to do I thought. At first it was; I'm going to do this in a year or 2. Then the realization of in a year or 2 means "things come up" and it never happens. About 6 months ago I pulled the trigger. It was one of the best days of my life. Now it’s time to start an adventure that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Nothing will define my hours. I have no schedule to meet but my own. I have no one to hold responsible for the quality of my day but me. If you stop and think about it when have you ever not had someone telling you what to do, when to do it, and how it needs to be done? It all tends to remove personal responsibility. It put your control in the hands of others. I’m not completely sloughing off normal society. I just want to step outside its bounds for a while and test my will and taste the ability to have complete control over every aspect of my life.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Mt. Garfield 8/30

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