So one of the odd things that happens on the trail is that everyone gets a nickname. You then use that name pretty much exclusively while living on the trail. It is how you introduce yourself to others (even most non-hikers) and how you sign trail registers.

There are a few ways that people can get a trail name. Some people come to the trail with a name that they have picked themselves or have been using for a while. Most are given their trail name by other hikers during the first few weeks of a hike. It could reflect something someone does or something they wear. It is always something unique to that person. Granted you do have a choice to some extent, but sometimes you can’t even get away from one even if you tried.

Well folks I have finally been given a trail name. Optimistic Dictator or…