Hannah Orloff - American Camino Chapter 3 Quote Discussion

In chapter 3 of American Camino, there was a quote that stood out to me while reading about the experiences that hikers endure while embarking on the Appalachian Trail. The quote goes, "As hikers walk together, or pass one another other multiple times each day, their bond of mutual suffering and comradeship of wilderness sojourning grows together." After walking the AT for two weeks for my class with Dr. Redick, I can understand this statement, that while on the trail no matter who you encountered there was this shared feeling of struggle that made you level with the person in front of you. I met individuals from all walks of life, from all ages and locations on the globe, and no matter who I was with, I looked at them as an equal and without other judgement. The conditions of the trail reduce individuals to just their character, and it removed other social barriers that may prevent individuals from crossing paths with others. For example, one night while camping in the Grayson Highlands, a few classmates and I are dinner with a man who looked to be in his late 30s to early 40s. This interaction in any other circumstance may appear strange or even dangerous, but out on the trail previous social barriers are eliminated. This occurs because of the harsh and uncomfortable conditions that hikers have to endure, and the understanding that everyone is experiencing the same struggles. It makes it easier to relate to the person next to you, no matter who they are, and easier to establish relationships with people you may have never considered or encountered in your life beforehand.  

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