This post is also available in: Spanish
When we say Appalachaian Trail to the average Latino, it means hot, sweaty, and walking, “No, thank you, I don’t DO walking”. Hiking is not just walking; it’s defined by the dictionary as to go on an extended walk for pleasure or exercise. We found a Latina that LOVES hiking. Yunuen Armas, 24, finds hiking to be, “rejuvenating and therapeutic” for her. Now that’s the kind of hiking experience we’re talking about when you decide to undertake the Appalachian Trail. Armas first started hiking with her family at the age of eight, but a friend rejuvenated her love for the adventure again last year. Since then she has gone on as many as four hikes a month during good weather.
Armas wanted to “reconnect with nature” and found it also helped her get in better shape. “It’s much more rigorous than being on a treadmill or stationary bike. You work muscles trying to get up the mountain you didn’t even know you had.” Armas also appreciates the experience as “nature truly is a magical place to be”. She also states that, “It’s humbling to be a part of it and to see things in their natural state”. Hiking is a truly connected experience with nature.
Hiking is not without its challenges, but Armas knows there are rewards with each and every hike as well. Each hike will mean work and yes even some sweat, but she can’t help “love the fresh air, and view when you get to the top” which makes it all worthwhile. Armas doesn’t like to feel rushed during a hike as she prefers to “take it all in”. She considers it a “privilege, not a task”.
Her advice to new ones undertaking the hiking experience, “Take one step at a time. I used to get overwhelmed by looking at the top from the bottom”. It helps to “focus on your progress”. Also, remember “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!” Armas’ longest hike has been five miles long. She hopes to hike some of the other mountains one day like the Rocky Mountains and Mount Everest. For some people like Armas, nature has a “healing effect”. Hiking the Appalachaian Trail is perfect way to get back to nature.
For anyone considering crossing the Appalachian Trail off their bucket list or making it a weekend ritual with friends, remember to do your research. Like Armas, start with a more experienced hiking friend. Go on websites, blogs or even youtube videos to get an idea of what to expect. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for the time of year. Carry a bottle of water and protein bars just in case you are out a little longer than you realize. You wouldn’t want to lose energy and need it to get back to your car. Above all, have fun and enjoy the experience.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has a website at http://www.appalachiantrail.org/ and a Twitter feed: AT_Conservancy, and a Facebook page: facebook.com/ATHike or instagram at Instagram: instagram.com/appalachiantrail/. There is also a free website guide for Pennsylvania available at www.whatbird.com where you can search for a bird based on its shape.