Most people wouldn't laugh after being pummeled by a deluge, ascending 5,000 feet up a mountain and then getting stuck in a white-out on an Idaho mountain.
But then again, most people haven't walked from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
Andrew Skurka, Trinity '03, became the first known person to walk across North America in 2004-2005, hiking more than 7,700 miles in 339 days.
"I feel that I am much more connected to America now than before," he said. "You don't miss a lot when hiking. You pick up things along the way. I got to see hunting in western New York and snowmobiling in the Great Lakes Area. Nobody does these activities where I am from in Massachusetts."
For Skurka, who lugged an eight-pound pack and carried poles for support, this was no quixotic adventure. He said that it was his shortcomings as an undergraduate that led him to undertake this journey from Quebec to Washington. Limited career options left him looking for other ways to challenge himself.
"On this trip, I learned about the importance of going beyond your comfort zone as a way of learning about yourself and other facets of life," he said. "When you stay in your comfort zone, your opportunities for learning are limited. This trip was about seizing opportunities that come before you."
Skurka said he had his share of struggles on his trek. On a 25-degree winter day, he fell three feet backwards through ice into a foot and a half of cold Michigan water. He noted that he went into panic mode but managed to compose himself. He wrung out his clothes, wore them the rest of the day and did not stop.
Initially, Skurka's parents were not enthused, and at times even Skurka felt discouraged on his trip.
"Sometimes I would wonder if the trip was worthwhile," he said. "I went through stretches where I didn't experience that much. This did not encourage me to stay out there. But then something would finally happen-a breathtaking sunset or amazing scenery-and I was determined to carry on."
Aaron Paul, Trinity '04, a close friend of Skurka's at Duke and a teammate of his on the cross country and track team, said it took a really special person to accomplish Skurka's feat.
"Skurka's independent spirit is a quality that sets him apart," Paul said. "He enjoys being on his own and doing things that others wouldn't dream of."
Paul was not surprised Skurka was able to complete the hike.
"My initial reaction to Skurka taking this trip is that he is absolutely crazy," he said. "If anybody was going to complete the trip, however, it would be someone like Skurka. I am not surprised he was successful. He can persevere through anything and everything."
Skurka undertook this journey in hopes of establishing a transcontinental hikers' trail and inspiring others to get outdoors.
"The things that we invest the most energy in are the things we learn the most from," he added.
After being named the 2005 Person of the Year by Backpacker Magazine, Skurka is continuing to pursue his interest in hiking. He is currently working in business development for the magazine Backpacking Light.
In early 2006, he plans to embark on a nationwide speaking tour to share the lessons he learned. He said he is also attempting to secure a book proposal.
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