Social media users were recently treated with an inspiring video that proves you are never too old to do some amazing things and achieve impressive feats. The clip shows a 71-year-old hiker named Pa’at finishing a 2,653-mile trek on Pacific Crest Trail and celebrating his achievement with a song.
The video of Pa’at’s celebration was posted on Instagram by couple Auti and Chris, who also walked the Pacific Crest Trail. The pair provided some back story in the caption, saying that they only met the senior towards the end of their journey but were immediately won over by his energy and positivity.
“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,” Auti and Chris wrote. “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!”
The video of the 71-year-old’s celebration became instantly viral, with people being impressed by Pa’at and his determination. The original post received almost 500K likes, while the clip was also shared on other social media platforms and reached millions of views.
To put Pa’at’s achievement in context, it is important to note that Pacific Crest Trail goes through seven national parks and requires hikers to deal with unfavorable terrains, including deserts and mountains, repeatedly. As a result, it is estimated that more than half of the people who attempt the hike don’t complete it.
