On the AT: Zombie hikers, Moses and slugs in his beard

SALISBURY — If you’ve ever been in Salisbury between early March and the end of September, chances are you’ve seen an Appalachian Trail hiker. Each hiker has individual reasons for taking on the journey; some enjoy a spiritual aspect of it, while others are drawn to the 2,180-mile challenge. Anyone who hikes the trail is guaranteed to make some unforgettable memories, ones that translate into amazing stories.I had the chance to talk with a trail hiker on a sunny afternoon, July 17. His trail name (thru-hikers often use different names while on the trail) is Nyknak, and he is originally from Israel. He has been hiking since mid-April, and plans to finish in early September. He can cover up to 20 miles per day — more than he covered on any other hikes he’s done. “I hiked the Israel National Trail, but this is totally different,” he said.Every day provides new experiences. “I woke up today with a slug in my beard. This could be an opportunity for a new trail name — Slugbeard!” he joked. When I asked him what the most important thing in his backpack was, I was expecting to hear something like the 3-liter water pouch — which he sometimes hangs on a tree branch and uses as a shower— or a map. But the first thing that came to his mind was bug spray. “The mosquitoes have been really bad this year,” he said. “Also, this is the first time I’ve used hiking poles, and they’ve done wonders for me. I haven’t had any stress fractures at all yet, so they’re definitely working out.” The hiking poles have also helped him when it rains, “because the rocks on the stone staircases that are all along the trail get really slippery. That’s actually one of the most common ways people can get hurt on the trail. One bad step and you’re done.” As for maintaining hygiene, Nyknak said that varies from person to person. Showers aren’t that difficult to come by in some areas, but there comes a point where “you just embrace the disgustingness of the trail. Some people don’t care, they even like getting as dirty as possible.” Though some hikers like to keep to themselves, the people on the trail look out for each other. Reputations travel fast; for example, hikers will warn others if they come across someone who is stealing. However, people like that are rare. Some acquire more benign but bizarre reputations. “There is a man who hikes barefoot with a big staff, who calls himself Moses — everyone knows him. He’s from Israel, too.” “My favorite thing about hiking on the trail,” Nyknak said, “is the quiet. No people all day, just me and my thoughts. And when I start out early, I can sometimes read for a couple hours in the camp.” I asked Nyknak if he had any advice for people who might be thinking about hiking the Appalachian Trail, and he said that he always takes the time to appreciate the beautiful sights along the way. “There are some people, zombie hikers, who just walk the whole way without stopping to really take it in, ever,” he said. “I don’t want to walk the thing without seeing it.”