Sometimes I do not understand the need of guys to prove they are the manliest man. John's not always like this, but sometimes he's so stubborn that it drives me crazy.
So, the boy is currently hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail. 150 miles in 11 days was the goal. I kindly suggested 1) a shorter section, or at least 2) a day of rest at some point during those 11 days. He insisted it was doable. So I let him go off on his journey with the best well-wishes.
Then he was hit with 95 degree days with something probably at 90% humidity. Plus some rain showers. And miles of nothing to see - no waterfalls or nice overlooks like we're used to. Let's just say that by Friday he had been wet for 7 days, couldn't get dry socks no matter what he did, had a busted toe thanks to a rock, a rash, and his spirits were just down. So I drove down to take care of him and give him a day of rest. (No, I never said "I told you so.")
To me, John said he wanted to just go home. Or at least shorten week 2 by either cutting of days or cutting of miles. I suggested miles. 6 days of 8-10 miles is much more appealing that 6 days of 15+ miles. Problem was 1) his friend who did week 1 with him kept criticizing him for hiking "when he doesn't even like it" and 2) new friend who was joining in for week 2 was already there and ready to hike the whole way.
John refused to talk to our friend about cutting the hike short. He could not admit to anyone but me that he was exhausted and wanted an easier trip so he could actually enjoy himself. He told me to come get him Friday night, however far they made it. He told our friend they'd hike through Saturday if they needed to to reach the end. He told me he wanted to go straight home when I picked him up. He refused to tell our friend that we weren't going to camp and do small hikes as we'd planned.
Thankfully the weather has dropped 10-15 degrees and it will be sunny all week, with nearly no humidity. And this section is much more scenic. So I think that the week will go a lot better and by Friday John will be so happy he completed his goal. But I still don't understand why he can't just admit that he needed a break and an adjustment to the plan.
I know it's not easy to admit you are unhappy to friends who are excited and ready to hit the road. I often have troubles admitting I can't do as much as others. I always feel like shit when people want to go hike for 3-5 days and I have to say no since my body can't keep up. But the difference is I really can't physically do certain things. I have no choice but to say no, even if I don't want to. John will be able to do the entire trip, he's physically up for it, it's just a matter of how enjoyable it is. So he has a much harder time saying no and changing plans.
