On December 29, 2012, I finished the longest journey of my hiking life. A 14,342 mi (23,081 km), almost eighteen-month odyssey called the 12 Long Walks. I had planned to end my trip at the Appalachian Trail’s southern terminus of Springer mountain. However, upon reaching my goal on December 28, I decided to walk back some 30 miles (48 km) to Neels Gap the following day. It turned out to be the most important decision of the entire 545-day trek.
The 12 Long Walks (July 2, 2011 – December 29, 2012).
Life is like a book. It’s filled with multiple chapters of varying content, length and substance. Its pages invariably contain a large cast of characters, but only ever the one author.
Sometimes the most difficult part of writing one’s life story is knowing when to finish one chapter and begin another. Whether it be a job that no longer provides satisfaction, a relationship that has run its course, or an eighteen-month hiking trip through the wilderness of North America, such decisions are invariably far easier in theory than in practice.
During the final two weeks of the Appalachian Trail, the last of the 12 Long Walks, I had almost convinced myself that upon reaching the finish, I would turn around and walk back again. Not the whole dozen mind you, just the AT. I’m not that crazy. Physically I was still in good shape and mentally I was as fresh as ever. Why not head back? I was doing what I loved and the idea of going north on the AT through the middle of winter was a challenge that appealed to me.
I reached Springer Mountain at 5pm on December 28, 2012. I had the summit to myself. My goal of completing the 12 walks before year’s end had been accomplished. I reflected on what had been an extraordinary journey and felt happy and at peace. But not elated. There was still a part of me that didn’t want it to be over. I decided to sleep on it.
The official finish of the 12 Long Walks | Springer Mountain, GA | December 28, 2012.
The following morning I awoke and headed back to Neels Gap. I was convinced that the closure I sought would come to me in those 30 miles. As I flowed along the trail, my mind wandered back and forth between past events, present realities and future possibilities. It was around midday when I distinctly recalled a conversation I had some six weeks earlier. While hiking through Pennsylvania, my friend, Greg “Malto” Gressel, had asked me “during the 12 walks, how often have you had moments of doubt when you weren’t sure about whether or not you wanted to continue?” Without hesitation, I replied, “never.” He repeated the question, either thinking that I hadn’t quite heard him or alternatively not believing that someone could hike for more than 14,000 miles without having a single moment of doubt. I repeated my answer, and then added, “I’ve been heading out into the woods my whole life. It’s what I love to do. The miles, locations, seasons; they’re just details. It’s all home to me.”
Back to December 29th. I was still happy, still at home, still doing what I loved. But remembering that conversation with Malto, made me realize that something fundamental had changed. For the first time in a year and a half I was having doubts. My intuition was whispering “time to begin another chapter; time to move on.” I finally listened. The decision was made. I had hiked enough. For now.
I smiled the smile of a relieved man. I would soon arrive in Neels Gap. A few beers, a big feed, a hot shower and a semi-comfortable mattress awaited me. Perhaps I would linger there for a day or two; take stock, organize transport, who knows, maybe even go for a wee day hike.
As I began the final descent from Blood Mountain, the weather had taken a turn for the worse. Temps were in the mid-teens (F) and dropping fast, the wind was howling and the exposed rocky slabs on the aforementioned peak resembled an ice skating rink. I chuckled. Mother Nature was giving me a send-off to remember. Fair enough.
The sun had set and the final two miles of my journey would be made in darkness. Somewhat appropriate considering how much night hiking I had done over the past couple of months. As I began to descend, I suddenly heard a distressed voice emanating from the darkness. I shone my headlamp in the direction of the noise, and lo and behold, there was a lost day hiker. The gentleman’s name was Mark. He had become disorientated in the snow (the AT’s famous white blazes aren’t so easy to spot in winter), had no flashlight, little in the way of gear and was becoming justifiably concerned as to his welfare. I looked at him in amazement and said with a wry grin, “Mate, this is your lucky day.”
Over the next hour and a half, I shepherded Mark down the mountain, cracking jokes whilst constantly assuring him that all would be ok. We finally arrived at Neels Gap around 7.30 pm, just in time for dinner at the Walasi Yi Hostel. Mark was a very relieved man. He called his wife to assure her that all was fine and that he would soon be driving home to Atlanta. She had known something was wrong and had been praying for him. Hearing the emotion in his voice, I started to well up a bit myself.
Neels Gap by night.
Over the course of my life I’ve always placed a big emphasis on following my gut. Even when common sense might be telling me otherwise. Logically speaking, there was no reason for me to turn around and walk back to Neels Gap. I’d just thru-hiked over 14,000 freakin’ miles! I’d done what I’d set out to do. But something inside told me I needed to keep walking. If only for one more day. And because of listening to that internal voice, I helped to save a man’s life. I can’t imagine I’ll ever have a more meaningful finish on a hiking journey. And for that reason, December 29, 2012, will always hold a special place in my heart.
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Ahh what a refreshing and inspiring post! Listening to your gut…that is the very best advice I give to those that ask. It has gotten me out of more sketchy fixes and like yourself, planted myself in the right spot to help another person in need. Thank you for your honest writing.
Excellent post, Cam.
I’ll follow my gut next time.
Thanks for sharing…that’s unforgettable ending to a great story. Serendipity finds us every once in a while.
One of your strongest posts yet, mate. Good words.
Well done Cam, hikers always take care of hikers.
Mark’s wife prayed. God heard it and decided to place a change of mind for Cam so both would receive a blessing that day. Some sing “There is a reason” and I’d be happy with knowing there is.
Great story! Congratulations as well!
Following your gut applies to so many situations in life.
In this example, it might have been enough that you knew for certain that you were ready for a break, but instead it became life changing and life saving.
December 28 is my Birthday! Glad you were able to help a stranded disoriented brother hiker.
Just subscribed and read my first post. Mark’s a lucky guy.
Great story! Thanks for some inspiration.
What a way to end an incredible journey!
What a blessing, for both of you. When we follow our gut or instinct, a lot good can happen. Just look at what a little instinct and prayer did for you that day. Divine
First heard this story presented at the 2015 ALDHA Gathering. Loved it then and glad read it now. Might you repeat also repeat in print your saga in The Whites when you took refuge in The Dungeon?
Happy December 29,,
I hadn’t thought of that. It’s a good idea. Maybe another anniversary post late next year!
Couldn’t think of a better person to run into when lost in the woods!
Great post. The inspiration to turn back, the rescuing of a fellow hiker and that hiker being prayed for are not just unrelated happenings. This is why I love the hiking/walking community. Stories abound telling of it being a real co_dependent supportive community. Nobody ever really does solo. Thanks for the post.
Thanks for all the kind words!
Hi Swami;
I would like to thank you for a ride in 2013 from Barney’s to the southern momument on the PCT. I had no idea at the time you were in the middle of such a large adventure. In addition to the lift, your demeanor left a lasting impression on me. The cheerful ride and good will exhibited toward everyone was so natural that if touched my heart. People like yourself are oftentimes few and far between but have always inspired me to try and keep the love moving forward. Congratulations, on what appears to have been a wonderful adventure and an inspirational journey. Certainly, there are most likely countless folks in addtition to Mark and myself who have benefited from those who seek to make the world a better to place to experince life. Thanks again for the boost.
Hey Chip,
Thanks very much for the kind words. I’d finished the 12 Long Walks trip a few months before I volunteered at Barney and Sandy’s.
Those two really are amazing. I first met them ten years ago, and I continue to be in awe of all the work they do for the hiking community. It was a pleasure to help them out, if only for four or five days.
Cheers,
Swami
Great post. In the past, I’ve entirely discounted intuition, preferring an analytical approach to decision making. Eventually, I realized the more I paid attention to my gut feelings, the more helpful they became. However, intuition can easily be influenced by ego, fear, goals, etc. Following intuition and gut feeling can easily get people into a bad spot. For instance, the man you helped on Springer perhaps had a gut feeling he wouldn’t need a light, shelter, map, compass, or to turn back before dark. It can be argued such intuition, if it existed, was correct because you saved the day, but there are many people who’s day is not saved. Intuition is a voice to factor in decision making, but the voices of reason and caution must be heard as well.
from Yosemite, to Joshua Tree, to the Grand Canyon, and more, somehow I have been able to assist someone just by being drawn to a certain place at at the right time. Friends tell me how fortunate those people were, but I know, I was the lucky one. great story, thank you
Such a good, well written story! When can I pre-order your book?
🙂
cheers,
Matthias
I am late to the party, but I have to compliment you on this story. Thanks for sharing it.
Still a great story on the last day of 2019. You listened to that voice and I hope you listen to God speak to you through his word, the Bible.
Thanks for the closure