Fin

It’s hard to put into words the reflection I’ve been going through.  Rather than making this a big grandiose post, I’d rather focus on a few small closing thoughts.

Each year, 3,000+ PCTers strive for the same thing: get as many PCTers to the Canadian border as possible. Through an interconnected web of kindness and communication, thousands of people helped one another for the better part of their summer. 

I really enjoyed getting to know my fellow hikers. Each day presented a new opportunity of connecting with new or old friends. Everyone seemed to bring their flavor and it all meshed like I’ve never witnessed before. I have lasting relationships that I intend to continue after everyone gets home. The folks on trail were some of the most neat, interesting, level-headed people I’ve ever met. I am very happy to call them friends.

Having a community is a key human trait. As an introvert, it is astonishing to know how much I actually need other humans. Having this community of folks to hike with was special, not because of what we were doing, but because we did it together.

I enjoyed the physicality. It was very, very, hard work. Though, I never felt like I had to push through any pain. I liked the transformation my feet, and especially ankles, went through.  Now, I very much understand what my body can feel like, if I put in a lot of effort.  When I was hiking at my peak, I felt like I could hike through anything at anytime.  My whole body and mind were fused as one entity, ready for it’s one task.

I really enjoyed the scenery. This should be a given. Everyday I was impressed with what I saw. I’ve never seen that much diversity in a hike before. Ok, sure, some later parts of the desert got repetitive. Outside that, the views never disappointed, especially the desert. Sometimes I would wonder how many miles I could see into the distance. It felt like the world went on forever. 

I enjoyed the towns. The desert towns were surprising. A lot of them had more mountainous vibes than the places near the mountains! The towns felt special and intimate. I only saw 2 Walmarts the whole trip!

I learned that taking a vacation is very ok. Yes, I know most people can’t take off work for 3-6 months. But, it really reset my mind and perspective. I have a much broader sense of the world and my stress level is very low.  

Conquering fears and tackling puzzles on a daily basis for 3 months has a lasting effect.  I can see the forest through the trees as big challenges don’t seem as scary as they once were. Anxiety is low and breathing is easy. 

Seeing the comments on this blog were very inspiring.  As readers, I can’t thank you enough. The support and outreach you sent me fueled my desire to keep going.

Some stats:

• Never saw a rattlesnake. Seemed like most people saw 5+. 
• Longest day was 23 miles. 
• I felt genuine hiker legs. 
• I hiked for over 2 months and never made it out of California. 
• I met hundreds of people. Yes I will be visiting them when I can. Yes, Eddie, I’m coming to your birthday party in Key West!
• I never used my rain jacket. It was always sunny.

I’d like to close with my favorite journal entry from June 8, while I was riding the bus into Bishop:

I am but a tourist of this nation and earth. Traveling from one town into another. Walking the earth to find the next unknown. Slowly making my way along each ecosystem until I reach the cold snowy reaches of Canada. I sample their food, greet their people, and view their attractions. Nature is my highway. Towns are my reprieve. I’m never comfortable. I never know what’s in store around the corner, or how I’ll get to civilization. If all we have is time, I am spending it in the best of ways.