Caroline Lewis- Outside reading ("Flow experience among Appalachian Trail thru-hikers.)

 During hikes on the Appalachian Trail, especially for through hikers, flow is something that many experience. Flow is defined as a state of experience that is engrossing, in itself rewarding, and “outside the parameters of worry and boredom.” Flow experiences suggest that the individual finds meaning from activities whenever engaged in a “sense of effortless action in moments that stand out as the best in their lives.”  In a study done by Virginia Commonwealth University professors in 2005, they found that men and women experienced flow differently. For most thru hikers, flow is experienced by walking alone. Interestingly enough, women were more likely to experience flow while experiencing a view. Although, when this activity was defined as one of the most important activities during which flow might occur, the significant difference between men and women disappeared. The findings of this study concluded that men and women did not have too many distinct differences when it came to hiking experiences. When this study was conducted in 2005, many more men were hiking the Appalachian Trail. Men accounted for 80.6% of the thru-hikers as compared to females (19.4%), but an additional question on age included in the study questionnaire indicated that their mean ages were exactly the same (32 years old). Many women find themselves on the trail for short periods of time experiencing phenomenon similar to “flow” but not exactly the same.