Outside Reading 2

            Trail journals are honestly the easiest and simplest way to connect to the real trials and joys of the trail without actually experiencing it one on one. People discuss every single thing that has happened to them, from the people that they have encountered (even what they talked about) to the food and trail magic that has been given to the hikers. They detail out every single thing that they are feeling or experiencing and everything they hope to gain from the experience. A trail journal is a very intimate thing to read and a very serious thing, I think, to share on the internet. I have been experiencing a lot of urges to start the trail, so I have decided that each summer from now until I am finished, I am going to hike the trail as much as I can in two months. This class has let me experience so much already and the feelings I get from reading this journals are like no other. Trail journals themselves are an experience like no other, because you get to feel what others feel and see what they see and journey right alongside of these people who are possibly complete and utter strangers and completely irrelevant to your life, otherwise. This is how the trail acts, as well. You experience different things with new and different people in a communitas setting and style of living. You meet new people that would have otherwise been completely irrelevant to your life and that are sometimes thousands of miles away from where you would have been if not for the trail. The trail is a life experience all its own and one that you can not gain from doing anything else. No where else can you share life stories and serious intimate feelings with the same person you are burying your poop next to in the dirt. The trail strips down all "essential" and conventional means of today's world that seem purposeful to get to know someone; their full name, phone number, maybe even address, etc. However, on the trail, you rarely use your phones, your address is your mileage on the trail, and you do not even use your real name; trail names for the win!! I can not wait to embark upon my experience with the trail, so thank you so much class and Dr. Redick for letting me know how much I appreciate these people and experiences and thank you for giving me these experiences!!