About the author
Years ago, I was described as being equal parts George Patton and Walt Disney. Nothing’s changed. I'm Mark Hughes, but better known in thru-hiking circles as, “Postcard”, because I draw and write creative accounts of the nuttiness of traillife. The Thru-Hikers Secret is my second book on thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. In my first book, We’re Off To See The Wilderness, The Wonderful Wilderness of Awes, a back section called “Have More Smiles In Your Miles” became a reference tool for many a thru-hike attempt. This book is a dedicated, more thorough look at the emotional adversities, needed strategies, and planning that can improve your odds of succeeding to earn that coveted moniker: Thru-hiker.
My past career in communications and having a knack for simplifying the complicated provided me with a unique perspective to turn the enormity of an AT hike into simple strategies: Secrets. Hikers will be armed not just with information, but a go-to resource of answers before most will even know the questions. As the Secrets are revealed, hikers will learn what will happen and how to manage the vast texture that is an AT thru-hike.
I’ve been to all 50 United States, even walked through 14 of them. Twice.
I believe individuals can make a difference.
After 9/11, three words appeared within me: “Never postpone life”. That’s why I thru-hiked the AT before retirement. Since one can never smile too much, that’s why I thru-hiked the AT a second time.
I walk with purpose, attack projects and miles, and am made joyful in doing so.
I grew up in a family where both parents were the breadwinners. Dad did the cooking.
I’m at my happiest when I’m creating.
I like Abe Lincoln’s quote: “Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.” This has a correlation with succeeding at a thru-hike.
Some call me Mark. Others call me Uncle Mark. When they can start talking, some will call me Great Uncle Mark. And still others call me Postcard.
My middle name is Errol, after my grandfather’s first name, my father’s middle name, and the Hollywood swashbuckler Errol Flynn – which is totally appropriate.
I’m a dog, cat, owl, loon, moose, koi, frog, turtle, woodpecker, dove, hawk, and eagle person.
I’d rather pick up a discovered feather or rock as a souvenir than any knickknack found in a gift shop.
After carrying a backpack over 5000 miles, I’ve discovered that simplicity is one of life’s truly great pleasures.
Four of my top memories of achievement are walking across the stage in college, sharing top honors and hearing those I competed against cheer and applaud. Walking across the stage at Lincoln Center in New York in front of 2000 applauding professionals, accepting the top honor for an advertisement I created. Standing in front of 200 cheering equals as they honored me with REI’s highest award: The Anderson Award. And embracing a weather-beaten sign buried in granite, above the clouds atop The Greatest Mountain, Mt. Katahdin, an honor I bestowed upon myself to absolute silence.
I believe that a thru-hike is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself.