But, like, why though? The John Muir Trail x Brownkids
For everyone whoβs just joining us, Roe & E here, two brown folks living their liberation right now. Weβve decided next year weβre hiking the John Muir Trail, a 221-mile section of the Pacific Crest Trail, and I thought it might be cool to interview the mastermind behind this big feat, E. Johnson. I was curious about what the hell this has to do with minimalism and, like, why would we do this in the first place?
Q: What do you think about the stereotype, βBlack people donβt campβ and what does that mean to you?
A: Well, I think itβs like every other stereotype. Itβs short-sighted and unrealistic. Itβs basically saying Black people donβt because black people canβt, when really black people donβt until black people do.
((shakes head)) I donβt buy into stereotypes in general. Weβre too expansive to be limited.
Q: Okay, so, in the past, you might have laughed and described yourself as βindoorsyβ. The John Muir Trail is soβ¦not that. Why this trail and what put you on about it? Why the change of heart?
A: I didnβt like the idea of limiting myself. Especially when I see so many more possibilities than I do limitations. I actually saw a documentary about it called, βMile. Mile and a Half.β and the views that were captured were pretty awe-inspiring. And the idea of it being so accessible and so shared by those in the group made it seem that much more endearing and it sparked my curiosity. So, after a lot more page searches and video-watchings, the possibilities far outweighed any potential reason for self-limitation.
Q: Okay, I can see that. So, to you, what does thru-hiking have to do with minimalism?
A: This is actually a sectional hike. A thru-hike is a long-distance trail, end-to-end, within a single hiking season. So, [ even though the JMT is 211-miles long } it doesnβt go from one country to another [ Mexico to Canada ]. Even still, it forces you to be intentional with every item you feel you need and want. It forces you to prioritize the value something has for you.
If I had to carry all the things I really value, what would I choose? What would I bring? And that forces me to really dig deep and hone in on what makes something valuable in my life. It forces me to ask the big questions.
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Ha, well, thatβs kind of cool to know. It takes two to tango this trail, so, Eβs got a few questions to ask me next. Have some questions youβd like him to ask? Go to the top righthand corner and message them to us! They might show up on his interview.
