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‘Inspiration to us’: Man, 71, wins hearts after completing grueling 2600-mile Pacific Crest Trail

Pa'at, who had hiked the whole length of the Pacific Crest Trail, started singing as soon as he reached the building at the trail's conclusion

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL, CALIFORNIA: There is a long path in the United States called the Pacific Crest Trail that hikers may take from Southern California near the Mexican border to Washington state near the Canadian border. Lonely Planet reports that its total length is 2,650 miles and that it travels through the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Surprisingly a 71-year-old man, named Pa’at was able to finish the tough trek of the Pacific Crest Trail despite the fact that the climb is especially challenging because of the changes in altitude, which also bring about changes in the weather.

According to Instagram users, Auti and Chris (@humping_north), "Pa'at reaching the northern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail after having walked every single step of the 2,653-mile trail."

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Both Auti and Chris had been out hiking themselves when they came upon the 71-year-old hiker. Along with the remarkable story of his journey, the two individuals shared a video of the old citizen's real satisfaction and relief upon reaching the end of the route. The caption states, "Few people can say they've accomplished such an incredible feat — especially not at 71!"

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, only about one-fifth of those who begin hiking the Pacific Crest Trail ever make it all the way to the end. The 71-year-old bearded man impressed everyone by completing a task that would have been challenging for someone half his age. To signify his respect for the trail's end, he walks up to the sign and places a hand on it. As soon as he lays eyes on the finished structure, he breaks out in song, overcome with joy at having finally achieved his goal. This song is appropriate for his predicament and goes, “I’ve been waiting… such a long time. Walking such a long way. Such a long way… just to be here, just to be here. Across deserts. I walked through rivers, I climbed mountains, just to see you. Just to see you. I’ve been waiting. Such a long time.”

"We didn’t meet Pa’at until Stehekin, only 80 miles from the northern terminus, so we only knew him a few days before finishing, but he’s one of those people you instantly feel like you’ve known a lifetime. He has a heart of gold, the kindest soul, and unmatched optimism and fortitude. Thank you for being such an inspiration to us, Pa’at!" continued Chris and Auti, who also said that Pa'at is the kind of person with whom you can strike up an "instant rapport."

Reddit user r/NihilisticPollyanna said, "I would look worse if I drove 4000km in my car, and I'm in my 40s. Hiking is a pretty solid workout, and this has huge changes in elevation and terrain, not to mention the weather, and less than ideal sleeping conditions. This guy is tough as nails!"

More than 600,000 people have seen the video, and many have left comments on it since it was uploaded. It has gone viral on social media, with many people commenting on how the man's achievement has inspired them. One user commented on Instagram, "This video has more life goals & emotional content than 95% of all the garbage posts on this platform. This man is living his best life. We should all be this lucky." While another user commented on Instagram, "Would love to know his life story. I know he has amazing stories. 71! 🙌🏾😍" 

Many took to Twitter to show appreciation for the old man's efforts in completing the grueling hike.