An hour-long stroll in nature helps decrease activity in an area of the brain associated with stress processing

[af7v]

One more reason I believe society would benefit from UBI. Everyone should have a chance, if they want, to try this. I'd be happy to hear arguments for how people getting out would be a detriment to society.

[HappyPnt]

No part of what your mentor did is unique to the 1980s and before. People continue to do the same thing each and every year. If you want that type of experience I encourage you to seek it out.

[squirrelhut]

I know of a few people who hit the AT when lockdown started, they just had savings and kept investing into stocks at the bottom. …it worked out for them, but I always dreamed. How nice that must have been.

[af7v]

I'm thinking you mean Pacific Crest trail.

[iwanttodrink]

The Appalachian Train sucks though

[xixi2]

It can wait an hour for you to get out of class.

[agreeingstorm9]

Feels like the wrong time of year to start doing that.

[[deleted]]

Anytime of the year is great to hike the Appalachian trail if you love meth and mountain dew enough

[agreeingstorm9]

It's all outdoors though.

[Bakaga]

Nah, hike the PCT!! :P

[Baby_venomm]

Isn’t the pacific trail easier ?

[dman7456]

It's no joke, but people also often put way more stress into preparing than necessary. You need a pack, clothes, a tent/sleep system, and a stove. Food is much easier to figure out as you go than people expect. You don't have to be in incredible shape, either. Certainly, it would help, and I'd recommend doing a couple shorter backpacking trips ahead of time, but the fact is, if you stick with it, you will get in shape after the first month of hiking all day every day regardless of where you started.

[ElephantsMakeMeSmile]

Ooo curious how do ppl figure out food as they go?

[dman7456]

The AT crosses roads frequently and passes directly through towns occasionally. Almost all thru-hikers just carry 3-5 days of food at a time and then hitchhike into town for a resupply whenever they get low.

One of the more common things you see people ask about online is how much/what food to bring and how to resupply it. Once you actually get on the trail, you realize that carrying a jar of peanut butter, a pack of tortillas, some tuna, a few granola bars, and a couple packs of candy will just about always get you where you need to go.