On our nations long distance hiking trails it is customary
for hikers to take a "trail-name"

Perhaps it is a custom that was born on the Appalachian trail
where 3,000 people (including 71 Bobs and 15 Marys)attempt to
hike from Georgia to Maine in a single year.

Some hikers give themselves a new moniker; however, it is
customary to be "named" by your fellow hikers. Usually the
trailname that is bestowed is indicative of either your
personality or some foible that you have demonstrated in a
very public fashion.

This is what Melissa wrote about her trailname, "Treehugger":

"Treehugger is nothing to do with my environmental or political views and
all to do with the fact that I love trees--
and show them that frequently--through hugs"