the idea of trail names

11/30/2015

topic of choice

 

The fact that hikers use trail names instead of the names they were given at birth is interesting to me. It adds to the idea of escaping every day reality. I see trail names as nicknames-- it is similar to the names people get when being in a certain organization, sports team, friend group, etc. The trail is another world, its own world, separate from the one we all share. Going by a different name adds on to that separation. Not only are these people physically taking a break from their routines but mentally and emotionally as well. On the trail, you're not Susan, Jim, or Rebecca. You are Tree Hugger, Night Owl, or Rose Petal. How you acquire these names isn't always up to you, sometimes they are given or earned. The names could be based on your personality, something you did or said, or maybe your skills. I would be especially interested to know what my trail name would be. I wouldn't want to pick it for myself. I would be intrigued to know what my fellow hikers create for me.