April 28 in the “ bubble” trail talk

(👉Note- If you haven’t figured out why there’s no pictures lately, I am having continued to technical difficulties getting them to post to my blogs. So I’ve been posting pictures on my Facebook page. Please feel free to go to Ginger Trine’s fb page to see some things that might coincide with the blogs. When I get home and have access to my iPad, I may be able to go back and add. Until then, please bear with me! Thank you!)

The “Bubble“. 🫧 🫧

I’m now what they call “ in the bubble”. When northbounders or “ nobos” start at Springer Mountain and start moving north, they slowly build in numbers. Peak start dates are March 1, March 14 (Pi day), and April 1, for example. As many as 50 or more, register with the ATC and begin their journey on those days. As they gradually move north, more and more hikers are at the shelters, in the towns or at the hostels. I’ve been experiencing the flood of “hiker trash”, an affectionate name given to hikers because they are stinky and look like they are homeless. Everyone is usually very friendly and gets along. Many become close friends and hike together in “ tramilies”. All have the same goals- to “hike your own hike”, get to Maine, or whatever section one is doing. As hikers, we have the same challenges- weather, tall climbs, huge rocks to boulder over, insects, aches and pains. We experience it all together. Sounds like life in general, doesn’t it?

AT hikers come every year, hiking from all over the world and all ages too. For example, there’s Graybeard, attempting to be the oldest hiker recorded, breaking Nomad aka “Nimble Will’s” record. Nomad is 83 years old. Graybeard is 90. Then we have children and whole families on the trail. It’s exciting to watch the kids – they sometimes can hike circles around others, especially their parents.

I’ve met several hikers at the hostel where I’m staying in Damascus. There’s a father and daughter from Holland. I’ve also met hikers from California, Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, Maine, Florida, and the more local surrounding states. Some of their hiker names are Redo, TBD, Path, Milemaker, Three Beers, Hipster, Gas leak, Midnight, Lylli, Queso, Rerun and Irish. This is just to name a few! Usually, each name has been given to them by another. For instance, Gas leak got his name from having a hole in his gas canister on his stove. When he lit it, the whole thing went up in flames. 🔥

Some are thru-hikers and others are section hikers. I have become good friends with some already. I hope we can stay in touch and maybe even hike together in the future. 💕

On this trip, I’ve stayed at three hostels so far. Hostels are like homes that cater to the needs of hikers. Hikers need low prices, showers, a bed, laundry done, ways to clean, fix and purchase gear, food, other simple needs and rides. These hostels sometimes have great food on a daily basis or provided a way to shuttle the hiker to get food. I’ve stayed at The Refuge, Black Bear Resort and Lady Di’s. They’ve been great places to stay.

The cost of a thru- hike used to be about $1000/ a month average. Now, it’s more like $1500/ month. You can go much more expensive or way less, however. Some hikers save and save so they can do it. They go on an LOA from work, quit their jobs or retire, but they find a way to make it happen, because it is their dream. Sometimes those from foreign countries have to do it within a certain time frame so visas don’t expire. Many times, the younger generations take a semester off of college, or do it between school or jobs, but eventually they have to return. So sometimes, they don’t finish their thru hike in one year. After that time frame, one can still do it, of course, but it is considered section hiking.

Only about 25% who start will complete their thru- hike in a calendar year. 🤔Thousands start. Hundreds finish. Some have trouble adjusting when they get home. Others find it was a way to focus on life- what’s important and get new direction. Some use the trail as healing from past hurts or crisis- a launch into nature. These are the ones I pray for especially, that they find the Answer to what they are searching for. It is a Person. It is in Jesus Christ we have the reason to live, the hope for our tomorrows, the healing of our hurts, the saving of our souls.

On another note 🎵 , Lady Di shared her story with us after she served us a scrumptious breakfast. She completed her thru-hike in 2019. When she got home to Minnesota, 2020 came along with COVID. She’d already retired from her public health job. She had part time jobs lined up that fell through due to COVID. Bored at home, she began to think seriously about a house that was for sale in Damascus. She and her daughter flew down to check it out. That was 6 years ago. She bought it and turned it into one of the best hostels out there. Thanks, Lady Di!

Enough for now. Will be back on trail soon. Hope your trail in life is full of joy! 🤩 🥾🥾Hike on!