Thanks Julie! I finished this hike over a month ago and it still feels like I just got home. It was truly excellent and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Great read as always, and a fitting finale to your trek. I loved your musings near the end, and could relate to the sort of shattering feeling you describe upon reaching your truck and the end of your journey. I hope you don't compare your hike to an AT or PCT thru; the magic and the transformation remains. We get out of a hike what we put into it, and it definitely seems like you put your soul into this one; you mentioned feeling like the wilderness has become a part of you. Accordingly, how has your experience been post-trail? I found that when I immersed myself in the outdoors for so long, weird cues would elicit visceral responses in my gut...the sound of a certain bird call, or the rustling leaves. Anyway I'm rambling now but all this to say, good job and congratulations on a beautiful and thoughtful finish.
The post-trail experience has been... interesting. I immediately stepped into a whirlwind of life. My son graduated highschool that week, had college orientation, and then my wife got a severe kidney stone and was hospitalized for a few days and couldn't work for 3 weeks. In all of that, it's the calm moments that get me. Standing outside early in the morning. And, like you mentioned, hearing the birds sing. It's kinda sad, but also enormously motivating to plan the next! Thanks for your comments Niki, they mean a lot!
Great narration. Your insights will stay with me. Looks like a very special place. Good luck with reentry.
Thanks Julie! I finished this hike over a month ago and it still feels like I just got home. It was truly excellent and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Great read as always, and a fitting finale to your trek. I loved your musings near the end, and could relate to the sort of shattering feeling you describe upon reaching your truck and the end of your journey. I hope you don't compare your hike to an AT or PCT thru; the magic and the transformation remains. We get out of a hike what we put into it, and it definitely seems like you put your soul into this one; you mentioned feeling like the wilderness has become a part of you. Accordingly, how has your experience been post-trail? I found that when I immersed myself in the outdoors for so long, weird cues would elicit visceral responses in my gut...the sound of a certain bird call, or the rustling leaves. Anyway I'm rambling now but all this to say, good job and congratulations on a beautiful and thoughtful finish.
The post-trail experience has been... interesting. I immediately stepped into a whirlwind of life. My son graduated highschool that week, had college orientation, and then my wife got a severe kidney stone and was hospitalized for a few days and couldn't work for 3 weeks. In all of that, it's the calm moments that get me. Standing outside early in the morning. And, like you mentioned, hearing the birds sing. It's kinda sad, but also enormously motivating to plan the next! Thanks for your comments Niki, they mean a lot!
Wonderful piece Erik.
Thank you Charlie!
What a beautiful series to read, as I ventured with you step by step. And your photos are stunning.
I really appreciate that! Thanks for taking the time to follow along!
Beautifully written Erik. It is all about the journey, good and tough, and you tell a lovely story from start to finish.
That means a lot, James! Thank you!