Hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) is an adventure, and Gerjan Hertgers, a 28-year-old Dutchman, is about to embark on this journey with his dad in 2026. But before hitting the trail, Gerjan is making the most of his time in the US, ticking off some tourist-y goals. One of his priorities? Visiting a Walmart.
In a recent update, Gerjan shares his experience of doing tourist side activities, specifically his Walmart visit. He notes that Walmart has everything one could want, even if they might end up buying too much food (oops!). He also mentions the convenience of seeing a T-Mobile store next to the Walmart, which solves his issue of calling businesses along the trail.
After his Walmart adventure, Gerjan and his dad head back to the hotel, where they chill and indulge in some local fast food. They decide to try Cook Out, a fast food chain recommended by a local hiker. However, they soon realize it's a drive-through only, which poses a challenge since they don't have a car. Undeterred, they opt for a South West grill, only to discover it serves burritos and other Mexican food, which they had already eaten the previous day.
Finally, they settle on Chick-fil-A, where they get their food before they could even sit down. Gerjan marvels at the sheer volume of fast food options available, noting that you aren't kidding when it comes to fast food in the US.
Despite the challenges and unexpected turns, Gerjan and his dad return to the hotel, feeling rested, full, and resupplied. They're ready to hit the trail again the next day, eager to continue their Appalachian Trail adventure.
This experience highlights the unique blend of hiking and tourist activities that Gerjan is enjoying. It's a fascinating insight into the diverse experiences one can have while on the AT, and it's a testament to the trail's ability to offer both adventure and the comforts of everyday life.
