Long-distance hikers, both thru-hikers and section hikers, usually introduce themselves to other hikers by their "trail names." Traditionally, trail names were earned by hikers somewhere along the trip when other hikers bestowed them upon their fellow hikers. These trail names could be either flattering or embarrassing, silly or serious, but are always carried with some pride. Many hikers still wait to be christened with their trail name somewhere along their hike. But it is also quite common now for hikers to pick their own trail names even before they set off. That at least has the advantage of avoiding something embarrassing!
I enlisted my family members to help me decide on a trail name before I started my thru-hike attempt. Originally, I thought of adopting something that had to do with ham radio. I've been a licensed amateur radio operator for almost 30 years and ham radio played a crucial role in my decision to attempt the AT. Several years ago, I got very involved with Summits on the Air (SOTA), a ham radio awards program that involves "activators" climbing to the top of mountain peaks and operating their radio equipment to make contacts with "chasers" operating from their home stations. I continue to chase SOTA "Mountain Goat" status and have hiked many portions of the AT in Georgia and North Carolina to activate peaks along the trail. When I decided over a year ago to attempt a thru-hike, my original idea was to operate SOTA all along the trail. I even researched and created a complete list of all the qualifying SOTA summits along the trail from Georgia to Maine. I may still decide to do some ham radio activations along my trip, but eventually the desire to complete a successful thru-hike became more important to me than operating my radios. And although my radio gear is lightweight and portable, it's still extra ounces that I didn't want to carry for 2,193 miles. Marci also pointed out that although ham radio was one of my many hobbies, it didn't really define my life. So, what to do for a trail name?
Well, ever since I was a boy, my favorite movie of all time has been the awesome WWII story of "The Great Escape." I even made a pilgrimage of sorts to Stalag Luft III in southwestern Poland some 20 years ago. I've always been inspired by the story of teamwork, courage, endurance and sacrifice made by the Allied POWs that attempted to escape from that camp. So, my trail name is "Great Escape." And hiking the AT is my version of a great escape of sorts from the "normal world." That also explains the name of my blog. I settled on Great Escape on a Trail because I'm hoping this long-distance hike on the AT will just be one of many long hikes in my future. There are so many great trails out there. Get out and hike one!
I enlisted my family members to help me decide on a trail name before I started my thru-hike attempt. Originally, I thought of adopting something that had to do with ham radio. I've been a licensed amateur radio operator for almost 30 years and ham radio played a crucial role in my decision to attempt the AT. Several years ago, I got very involved with Summits on the Air (SOTA), a ham radio awards program that involves "activators" climbing to the top of mountain peaks and operating their radio equipment to make contacts with "chasers" operating from their home stations. I continue to chase SOTA "Mountain Goat" status and have hiked many portions of the AT in Georgia and North Carolina to activate peaks along the trail. When I decided over a year ago to attempt a thru-hike, my original idea was to operate SOTA all along the trail. I even researched and created a complete list of all the qualifying SOTA summits along the trail from Georgia to Maine. I may still decide to do some ham radio activations along my trip, but eventually the desire to complete a successful thru-hike became more important to me than operating my radios. And although my radio gear is lightweight and portable, it's still extra ounces that I didn't want to carry for 2,193 miles. Marci also pointed out that although ham radio was one of my many hobbies, it didn't really define my life. So, what to do for a trail name?
Well, ever since I was a boy, my favorite movie of all time has been the awesome WWII story of "The Great Escape." I even made a pilgrimage of sorts to Stalag Luft III in southwestern Poland some 20 years ago. I've always been inspired by the story of teamwork, courage, endurance and sacrifice made by the Allied POWs that attempted to escape from that camp. So, my trail name is "Great Escape." And hiking the AT is my version of a great escape of sorts from the "normal world." That also explains the name of my blog. I settled on Great Escape on a Trail because I'm hoping this long-distance hike on the AT will just be one of many long hikes in my future. There are so many great trails out there. Get out and hike one!
Proud to say I first watched that great movie with you. Well chosen. Vaya Con Dios, Joe Don. Look forward to the updates. Buzz
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