Friday, October 14, 2005

Culture Shock


Dan "Wingfoot" Bruce's Bible to Thru Hikers of the Appalachian Trail concludes with a chapter on "Life After the Trail." Wingfoot offers congratulations to those who have completed over 2000 miles and endless days of hiking. He also offers a warning:

Some people have no reentry problem, but, for most, this transition involves a period of culture shock and stress, and perhaps a period of depression. The Thru-Hiker's Handbook.

If this is the effect of a six month, albeit strenuous, vacation, what then would be the reentry shock for some one who has been at sea for 2 to 4 years? Occasionally a Thru-Hiker will summit Katadhin, turn West and start hiking to Georgia. Is it any wonder that sailors spend a night or two in port and sign back on the next ship to leave port?

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