The Unlikely Thru-Hiker: An Appalachian Trail Journey

by Derick Lugo

Rain is part of this adventure. I can't change that, but I can prepare for it. I don a rain jacket that has a hood large enough to cover my long hair. I also have a rain cover for my backpack and gaiters to prevent my socks from getting wet. But the most essential tool that I have is acceptance. Rain will be part of my thru-hike, no matter what. I will have to trek through areas that may have significant snowfall early in spring and endure thunderstorms that can hit with little warning. This journey will go better if I don't dread and curse the things I cannot control.

There's a poetic beauty in fallen trees. When these great perennial plants die, they nurture the ground they fall on and give life to other plants. Where else is the end of life so impactful, or so graceful in appearance?

This goes right along with the motto I use when I go astray, not just out here but in life generally: I'm not lost . . . I'm just misplaced. It's a somewhat comforting perspective that I take, knowing that I will eventually correct my course whenever I temporarily lose my way.

I don't want a closer look; the view is perfect from up here.

"If you want to sound wise, go to school. If you want to be wise, go to nature."

A Maya Angelou quote comes to mind: "When you know better, do better."