Page 14 - SMH 2017 2nd edition

What

?

by Karolina Pernal

What does it mean to be a hiker? What is hiking? And fur-
thermore, what does it mean to me, especially now that I am
not able to enjoy it. What do you do when you get the verdict-
no hiking for 6 months…?

As I browse through my many hiking photos, I can’t stop
to wonder what does hiking mean to me and so many others.

To hike, according to Merriam-Webster, is to take a long
walk, especially for pleasure or exercise... but to me, it is so
much more. Is it because of the family you make, like my
mountain momma and sister Connie and Jamie, who allowed
me to tag along on their AT adventure last year, who in those
short 3-days became my family? Or is it because of the
strangers who you meet on the trail and they influence you
and your life in the ways you couldn’t have imagined. A sim-
ple hello can lead to a lifelong friendship and all kinds of hiking escapades. One conversation with Wildcat
will change your life forever, so to have the privilege of camping with him is an extreme honor to this hiking
chick. To be in the presence of a legend and to witness the humility in which he approaches people and the
mountains, to me it shows a rare quality in a nowadays world, but also, proves that we are all right in seeking
a deeper more meaningful interaction by going into the woods.

Hiking is life-and to so many, it became a life saver. When I’m sad, I go for
a hike. When I have something bothering me, I go hide in the forest. When I’m
happy, I become happier the moment I smell the pine needles.... I think I speak
for a lot of us.

Hiking becomes a way of life and before you know it, it’s a whole process.
To me the preparation for the hike means as much as the hike itself. There’s
something magical in the research-the route, the trail conditions, the weather,
and getting your pack ready.

And then the actual hike: to me it starts with putting on my
boots, then the anticipation of the drive. And finally, the first few
steps on the trail.... the conversations on the trail, the moments of
peace and quiet as well as occasional prayer... This is life.

Hiking-it is just a walk in the woods, but is it really.... ? I am
anxiously awaiting the time, when once again I’m going to find
myself surrounded by the majestic beauty of… The Smokies!!!

14 Smoky Mountain Hiker