Portrait 33: Diesel

"Everything was beautiful." - Diesel, a hiker

In Tennessee and southern Virginia, I hiked around Diesel for a couple of weeks. We camped together a few times, and he became my only friend for a couple hundred miles. Then I didn't see him again until New Hampshire.

When I did see him, he was different.

People say a thru hike changes you. It certainly can seem that way, but not everybody has a profound transformation out there. It's certainly a moment of revelation, but it's such a tremendously, deeply personal experience that I like the connotation of "epiphany." Each of mine has had a moment of perfect tranquility and incredible happiness.

I'm talking about a feeling of unadulterated joy that transcends our tiny existences. Pure, beautiful bliss that washes into you, fills you up, and spills over you. The universe gives you a glimpse of how good life can feel, and it gives you new insights into who you are, and what the world is, and what the world can be.

When I was in the White Mountains, I heard a familiar voice call up the mountain. I turned the corner and saw my friend for the first time in over 1000 miles. I could tell at first glance that he'd had an epiphany. For Diesel, the moment came on Franconia Ridge.

"The whole morning was cloudy. There were no views at all. The clouds just opened up - and then everything was beautiful."