Celebratory song by 71-year-old who finished one of world's most challenging treks strikes a chord

The Pacific Crest Trail in America is one of those difficult routes where trekkers have to face everything from shifting weather conditions to dangerous terrain. It's the kind of territory that even young people would struggle to navigate before they give up midway. But a determined 71-year-old managed to reach the finishing line of the trek and the moment was captured in a wholesome video posted by @humping_north on Instagram.

Trekker couple Auti and Chris, who handle the Instagram page, filmed the elderly adventurer named Jon, who also goes by the name Pa'at, as he reached the northern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail. "Pa’at reaches the northern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail after having walked every single step of the trail," the caption read. "Not many people can say they’ve accomplished such an incredible feat - especially not at 71! We didn’t meet Pa’at until Stehekin, only 80 miles from the northern terminus 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."

The couple thanked him for being an inspiration and that's when the trekker celebrated his accomplishment with a song. The lyrics alongside the tune were, “I’ve been waiting such a long time. Walking 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.” While singing, Jon respectfully placed his hand on top of the stone marker at the end of the trail. The Instagram audience couldn't help but applaud the strength and determination of the man in his ripe old age.

User @moncharmai commented, "Anyone else just watching this with tears rolling down their face? Or is it just me? How inspirational you are Sir! Congratulations on your accomplishment. What song are you singing?" To this Jon replied, "The song came to me as I neared the end of the trail. Some verses didn't get sung. Maybe they will at the end of August. My wife and I are training to walk the Washington section of the trail in August. She went off the Oregon/Washington border trail after hiking 1,843 miles with me last year."

@jessey_allen_photography quipped, "I love this man without even knowing him. Thanks for posting this beautiful moment." @lisun323 commented, "Thank you the singing guy for inspiring us all younger than you! Thank you whoever for making and posting this inspiring video!" @christine.corbett.brady added, "I would love to meet you and walk alongside you and hear your stories! The song in your heart that you sang so beautifully tells me what carried you through the most difficult parts and helped you make it to the end! What a wonderful feat! You make my heart proud! Congratulations!"

With this accomplishment, Jon has become one of the 14% trekkers who attempted and managed to reach the finishing line of the Pacific Crest Trail, as per The Wall Street Journal. According to Lonely Planet, the Pacific Crest Trail stretches from the Mexican border in Southern California to the Canadian border with the state of Washington. It covers a total distance of 2,650 miles through the states of California, Oregon, and Washington.