Some of you may have been wondering about the seemingly random names Koreen has been throwing out during her videos such as; Treadmill, Chop, Clingman, Cap, No Service, Pause-y, Volcan, and Boo-Boo Boy. Well, there’s a story behind each name (some I’m more interested in learning then others …). Some belong to those that have become apart of what Dave and Koreen consider “Tramily” or Trail Family. Others who will cameo shortly in Koreen’s vlogs (video logs) and pass on in their own journey of the AT (Appalachian Trail) hike. Either way, each name we hear is unique to the individual hikers these two come across along the way and who are also completing the thru hike of the AT.
But the concept of trail names is not specific to the AT. Many long distance hikers, such as those exploring their way through the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail), also choose to adopt a trail name rather than using their given first names.
So many people are hiking that it is easier to keep people straight if they are called by a nickname specific to them. As you can guess, there are bound to be a lot of Chris’s, John’s, Amber’s, and Katie’s, so trail names are a unique and helpful way for hikers to connect in a fun way.
The idea is that you choose a name that you can identify with, or that is special to you. It could be the city you hale from, a character (fictional or not) that you like, or as simple as your favorite food that you will be craving during the entire dehydrated food hike. Sometimes you can’t commit right away, and trail names are “discovered” along the way. Do you remember Buckles, mentioned a few videos back? Seems she had a some trouble with her pack along the trail and has been coined with “Buckles” ever since.
David, the ever clever man that he is, chose Rabbit for Koreen and Greyhound for himself, as a symbolic metaphor between their life and the race track, where the greyhound is ever chasing after the rabbit. I guess one could say life is one big race? And if you have to chase tail, David certainly chose a pretty damn cute one.
In Rabbit’s next trail update below, you’ll have the chance hear the story of why Greyhound may be adopting his own new trail name … “Snake Wrangler”!?
Personally, I suggested “Big Foot”, because he’s so elusive and rarely seen on video. Almost as if he wasn’t there … but this video proves he’s working his happy little butt off right along with Rabbit, who to be fair, is almost always ahead of him.
Either way, keep it up, Greyhound, Bigfoot, or Snake Wrangler. Whichever it is, we appreciate your efforts and hope you and everyone on the trail stay safe!
As always, take advantage of the opportunity to support Koreen and David in their fight against MS by donating here.
Fox and Burrow Journey to End MS 