Pandemic Pilgrimages - Paige Kelly

During the pandemic, the entire world completely shut down, including across the Appalachian Trail.  According to Wilderness Pilgrimage in the Midst of Pandemic, starting on March 13th, the Appalachian Trail began to shut down its visitor centers as well as encouraging many thru-hikers to cancel or postpone their hikes. This began to concern many individuals who were going to embark on their journey soon, but it even more intensely impacted those already on the trail. For example, a hiker who went by the trail name, Carolyn, wrote that she was stressed about being advised to leave the trail when she did not want to leave by any means. Her anxiety continued on because they were forced to have to plan multiple days ahead since the places they would normally stop to get food was completely shut down. Was the anxiety and fear they were facing the same as anyone who was back at home? It was almost worse because they were not in contact with their family and friends. While the Appalachian Trail attempted to make services better during the chaos of the pandemic, many individuals were still wanting to reflect and find guidance without their devices and social media. 

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