Campers also leave an indelible mark on me, filling my heart with pride and often making their way into my own trail stories. Like Matt, a boy with a very large backpack on this summer’s Maine Appalachian Trail expedition. Resupplies are an opportunity for campers to shed items they’ve decided they’d rather not carry, such as a finished book or stick of deodorant. Still, despite much hemming, hawing, and gentle guidance from trip leaders, Matt was reluctant to part with a single item. So, with my deliveries, pickups, and information exchange complete, I headed back to my vehicle a mile from the group’s remote campsite. A few minutes down the trail, I heard a commotion and turned around to see Matt running to catch up with his massive backpack in tow. He pulled out three paperback books, full-size binoculars, an oversized winter jacket, and a pair of jeans. I was flabbergasted that all these items fit in his pack! I received, bagged, and labeled his belongings, and he rambled back to his group much lighter and happier – an important lesson learned.