The Journey

Cheryl Strayed's novel Wild and subsequent movie of the same title has brought a variety of hiking journeys to light. The Pacific Coast Trail which was featured in her novel, the Appalachian trail in the eastern United States, the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and the West Highland Way in Scotland are just a few of the numerous long distance hikes throughout the world. The origins of the PCT stem from Clinton Churchill Clarke, "[he] believed that the time in the wilderness provided 'a lasting curative and civilizing value' " (Strayed, 206). While the origins of the Camino de Santiago are based religiously. The pilgrimage is said to be "one of three pilgrimages on which all sins could be forgiven" (Camino de Santiago). However, as times have changed the reasons people go on long distance hikes have changed as well.

Cheryl meets several other hikers during her time on the PCT. Some outdoorsy hikers who had "been planning this hike for years" (Strayed, 86) or "a life long dream for [us]" (Strayed, 107). Strayed felt more akin to a different type of hiker. The types who were not inclined to the wild lifestyle, who "despite all [their] confidence and ease, he had been through something" (Strayed, 109), introducing the other type of hiker. Cheryl herself embarked on her journey "in order to save myself" (Strayed, 5). A vague way to summarize her struggles leading up to the hike. Yet the fascinating thing that is exemplified in Strayed's novel is the diversity of people who hike. All the trails mean something different to the people on it "people ages 5 to 81 have completed the trail,​ among them singles, retired couples, families with kids, people with disabilities" (Marquardt). Each of them with different goals and quests to achieve while on the trail.

Some people enjoy the freedom of the idea. A woman who is hiking the PCT at the moment "To rely on my feet to get me to where I'm going, to be out in the wilderness with everything I need on my back, fresh air, quiet; it all sounds appealing" (Knepp). The simplicity of a life that is surrounded by wilderness. Others like some of the men Strayed encountered "hike purely for the love of the hike and simply existing out there" (Sally). Though Sally also has an existential element as a contributing factor by becoming one with nature. 

This is a preview into what could be my expository essay. 

Bibliography:

"History of the Camino De Santiago Pilgrimage in Spain." Camino De Santiago. Web. 12 May 2015.

Knepp, Melinda. "Liz and Melinda's Excellent Adventure!" : Why the PCT? 14 Nov. 2014. Web. 12 May 2015.  

Marquardt, Katy. "How to Prepare Physically and Mentally for a Long Distance Hike." US News 25 Mar. 2015, Health sec. Web. 11 May 2015. .  

Sally & Nikita. "Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hike 2015 | Travel Blog." Overland Undersea. 21 Feb. 2015. Web. 12 May 2015.  

Strayed, Cheryl. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2012. Print.