Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture I

As an individual who hopes to one day hike the Appalachian Trail, I became interested in why people hike the trail. Without any reason myself, I wondered if I would have the willpower to finish a long hike without a burning reason behind my hike, such as illness or death of a family member or friend. Would I even consider the trail a sacred pilgrimage, or just a fun, adventurous journey? Pilgrimage is defined as a journey "to a sacred site or holy shrine located at some distance away from the pilgrim's place of residence and daily labor" (Turner, Turner 4). Because the trail covers 14 states, there will never be a point where I feel "comfortable". It is important that individuals who go on pilgrimages are away from home, or anything that may remind them of home if they are attempting to get over the death or illness of a loved one. I believe that I don't need a reason behind hiking the AT, but the experiences and lessons I learn will leave a lasting impact on the way I view the world in the future.