This month I’ve been experiencing a sense of nostalgia for the trail that is referred to as “Springer Fever. ” The 2013 thru-hikers have begun their journey, and I’m very sad that I am not among them. This feeling occurs during the spring time and hikers find themselves longing for the Southern Terminus of the trail, Springer Mountain.
I can rest easy knowing that I am among the small percentage that finished the trail last year, while the hikers on the trail now are experiencing self doubt, painful injuries, and watching fellow hikers give up and go home. I think that I would be happy to trade my pride in finishing the trail for another shot a being a bright-eyed amateur hiker with no idea of what lies ahead.
There are too many new adventures ahead, and I wouldn’t want to give up the memories of my thru-hike anyway. Luckily for me, a close friend of mine is attempting a thru-hike this year. He hiked my first week in Georgia with me last year, and now I get to live vicariously through him. I’ll be cheering Trey/ Monk on from the sidelines, and hopefully giving him a ride to Trail Days and sending a few care packages.
Here’s to the thru-hiker class of 2013.