For the Greater Good
/Is it ethical to embark on a thru-hike during a global pandemic?
Many hikers are canceling long-distance treks this year due to covid-19 (Photo by Maggie Slepian)
“There’s a sense of pride that comes with people seeing themselves make a sacrifice. … It’s gratifying to know that I made the right choice.”
— Maggie Slepian
The wilderness might seem like a good place to hide out during a pandemic. But the organizations that care for many of the nation’s long-distance trails are asking thru-hikers to cancel their trips this year.
The concern is that hikers could spread COVID-19 to communities along the trails when they stop to resupply. Many trail towns are small and isolated, lacking resources to handle an outbreak.
On this episode, we talk with two hikers who have cancelled their trips: Maggie Slepian, managing editor at The Trek, and Allison Gonzalez, who aborted her thru-hike of the Arizona Trail after just one week.
We talk about the ethical considerations that went into their decisions, the emotional impact of giving up a potentially life-changing journey, and some silver linings from the situation.
Want to read more?
Here’s a post that Maggie Slepian wrote, questioning the morality of thru-hiking during the Coronavirus pandemic. And here’s what she wrote when she decided to cancel her PCT hike.
Also, posts from three other thru-hikers: Jacob, Rachel, and Hayden.
Also mentioned on this episode…
Want to be a storyteller at our live storytelling night? Here are the details about pitching!
Here’s the Zoom link for the Virtual Think & Drink session that Willow is speaking at tonight. Grab a beverage and join us!
Need a dose of comfort? Listen to our Hopeful Hues playlist! If you like it, you can spread the love by sharing the link with a friend.
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