How to discourage my fiance from hiking the WHOLE Appalachian Trail!?

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Dreamgirl

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Tell him..thats a great idea..but lets try it slow..go camping for the weekend..get one of those cheap tents,check the weather pick a rainy day or two...forget the mosquito spray open the tent door slightly..he'll never want to go camping,or hiking up a trail again.
 
So my fiance has had the recent idea for the last few months that he wants to hike the WHOLE Appalachian Trail after college (2 yrs from now). He says he wants to do it because he wants something that is character building, life changing, and something that not a lot of people have done, and a personal goal, which I understand and don't discourage, but I don't think he realizes what a big undertaking that is! 3-5 months of living outdoors like that, all the problems that can arise, not to mention all the crazy people out there now a days! He wants me to go with him, but that is just something I know I would not enjoy and isn't something I would have the personal discipline to do. I have tried to explain to him all the difficulties but he doesn't want to listen to me. And we are engaged to be married a few months after he graduates college, so he will be gone for most of the time the wedding planning will be taking place! But he wont budge on it. I really am the type of GF that supports my man on everything, but this I just don't know about. Any ideas of other character building, and life changing, and something that not a lot of people have done things that he could do? Anything will help. He doesn't want to listen to me! Or am I the wrong one?
26 minutes ago - 4 days left to answer.
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Well not to be down on my man but hes kinda a sissy. I know how he is, he will be all gung ho about it and half way into stuff he looses interest. but i will say that we both plan to travel the first few years of our marrige. we are moving to Colorado right after we get married for a few months, then to Canada, Alaska, Europe, and where ever else. And we hike all the time and go camping and do lots of outdoor things. I just think that is taking it to the extreme. I just think there are more meaningful things to do, like helping charity or going on a mission trip or something, that can also be life changeling and character building...
 
I actually work in a state park that the Appalachian Trail runs through, and have seen the people who are just starting it to the ones almost done, and the quitters. the trail isn't something to take lightly, its a tough journey and many people over prepare or under prepare.

when I mean over prepare, I mean they bring so much gear it almost impossible to hike. From too much clothes to camping gear made for 8 people, some people bring the entirely wrong stuff. And the others who under prepare, thinking people will open their doors to smelly strangers in hiking gear. one guy told me he had barely eaten in days because he ran out of food and he had no where to stop between the days' journey. You say he never finishes anything, then he maybe one of the people who go home early on, let him try this experiment if he wants it, but don't make him stop it could ruin your relationship, you have already said you don't want him to, and you should leave it at that. Let him decide his fate.

"not to mention all the crazy people out there now a days"
Seriously the amount of crazies is the same it always been, NOT THAT MANY! I'd worry more about wild animals more. little known fact poisonous snakes like the copperhead can be found all along the trail
 
I would say let him go for it if that's what he wants. The best time for him to make the attempt would be before you are married, not after. If he waits, it will never happen. This kind of trip will make him or break him. It certainly will be life changing. You are wrong to fight him on this. You don't have to like it, but it's his life his decision.
 
It is quite an undertaking, he should do his research before starting, If you don't want to go, don't. He should find a partner that will travel the trail with him. Maybe fly or drive to meet him from time to time for some R&R.

Maybe plan on one state at a time. These could be done on weekly trips.
 
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