A lot of people asked me why I planned to hike before I began. Nobody on the trail has asked me why yet. So naturally I discovered some of the answers while on the trail.

I had for some time been saying how I love being out in nature and that, but if that were the main reason, I could easily experience plenty of nature back in Michigan, where the elevation is about as exciting as grits. The big reason that came to me today while pushing through the mountains was this: I like discomfort. In fact, I thrive in it. When someone tells me something is impossible, I have a sudden urge to complete it. If things are down and looking grim, great! I will try to make a joke and be in higher spirits than normal. I seek discomfort, only it took me so long to figure it out, with comfort always so easily in reach. Out here in the mountains, when there is comfort, of course I will take it, in a blink, but it is far less frequent than the opposite, and I couldn’t be happier.

Discomfort and meaningful connections with people. There are two solid reasons for those who asked me that question, and there is a sea of both on the trail.

On a separate note, I got my bonafide trail name yesterday. A group of us were huddled around a campfire, newly acquainted friends, talking and laughing. There was a lull in the conversation, and Stone Bear, who was an absolute joy to meet, said to me: “Your trail name is Firewalker.” I was honored to be named by such a respectable man, and also honored that my name wasn’t “Poopwhistle” or something.