“What’s your name?” an American drawls as I climb up the bank.
“I’m Katrina. And you?”
He readjusts his pack. “I’m Platypus.”
Ah, my first meeting with a fellow TA walker who has a trail name. Based on his lean frame, muscled legs, small and tidy pack, I can tell he’s done a long-distance walk before – probably the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) or Appalachian Trail (AT) in the US (also known as ‘the big ones’). It’s where the name Platypus would have come from.
“I’m guessing that’s not your real name,” I say.
“No.” He grins but doesn’t enlighten me.
“What is your real name?”
He pauses before conceding, “John.”
“So, John, why are you called Platypus?”
He smiles, “Every trail name comes with a story …” He chooses not to elaborate and turns and walks off, leaving the mystery hanging in the dusty air.
During several months
