#1 – Take tons of photos and videos. This is the big one I hear most often. In my humble opinion, it's a much better problem to have too many pictures than too few. You need not carry a fancy, heavy camera. A phone works just fine to capture the moments you'll want to remember forever! Whether it's a random orphaned puppy rescue from the summit of a thirsty mountain, small moments with friends, or significant milestones, pictures truly tell a thousand words that even a photogenic memory won't recall with such precision.
Regret #4: Not stopping to take in the views – Take the time to enjoy more blue blazes along the way. So often we thru-hikers get fixated on miles to complete and we miss out on views that are just a short distance off trail. Spend some time sitting beside that breathtaking lake. Walk an extra half mile to experience a vista many other thru-hikers will miss in their haste. Life itself is stressful with constant rushing around. The trail is your reprieve. Stop, relax, and enjoy the journey.
#9 Letting others affect the way you hike.
It's your 6 month vacation hiking. It can be done anyway you want. Don't concern yourself with others telling you that's not the right way. Whether you want to blue blaze, aqua blaze, or walk past every single white blaze, it's YOUR hike. Don't listen to the judgements of others.
And don't pass judgements of your own.
Completely agree! Thanks for the comment Jacko!
#10 Don't have time to thru-hike? Well, don't let that stop you! Bartender and I have been section-hiking the AT for the last 15 years and we are nearly half-way done. There are a few advantages of section-hiking, including getting to pick the season (no bugs, no heat, no crowds is our thing), eating better (no ramen required), not having to worry about a schedule to complete before winter, and looking forward to being on the AT every year!
What an inspiring comment! Awesome!