Image and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture II

As seen in my previous blog, I am interested in hiking the Appalachian Trail, and therefore became interested in why people hike the AT. As previously mentioned, many individuals hike the AT, or any long distance trail for that matter, as a spiritually healing experience. Not only is the trail physically and mentally challenging, but hikers can encounter "robbers, thieves... as well as natural dangers and epidemics. But these fresh and unpredictable troubles represent, at the same time, a release from the ingrown ills of home. They are not one's own fault," (Turner, Turner 7). These challenges can become an important part of the healing process for someone who recently lost a loved one. The challenges a person faces on the trail are not their fault, which can be a pleasant experience for someone who feels as though everything going wrong at home is their own fault, such as money issues, or a lost job. When the hiker overcomes these challenges, it can boost their confidence, which is important for someone who feels as though all hope is lost for their home life. Although sometimes difficult, mental roadblocks and setbacks while long distance hiking are an important part of the healing process for many hikers.