It's been a year now (actually more like a year plus one week) since I started hiking north from the Mexican border along the Pacific Crest Trail and I still think about it every single day. So many great memories. I think about all of the amazing people I met. The trail angels. All of the beautiful landscapes I traveled across.
Sometimes I also think about what I missed out on and wish I had been able to finish. But honestly, I don't regret my decision to get off the trail early. I heard people say reaching Canada was a matter of winning or losing, or that thruhiking is like a marathon for hikers, but I don't see it that way. Sure, my goal was always to hike the entire trail, but I don't feel like falling short of that goal means I "lost" or failed in any way. Quite the opposite. I may not have accomplished my goal, but I got to live my dream of hiking the PCT, something I thought I would never do. I feel like I won the moment I stepped onto the trail and had my picture taken at monument at the southern terminus. Every step after that was just a bonus. I'm proud of myself for making it as far as I did. Not finishing will never erase the great experience I had. The memories will last a lifetime. I know it's a cliché, but it truly was about the journey and not the destination.
That said, I do want to go back to finish the rest of the trail some day, not so much just for the sake of finishing, but more so to see the rest of the trail. I was really excited to hike Oregon and Washington. The good news is that the trail isn't going anywhere. It'll still be there (hopefully) when I'm ready for it. I'm definitely not done with hiking long distances. In addition to finishing the rest of the PCT there are other hikes I want to do, so I'm sure I'll be at it again before long. I miss it too much already! Maybe next year?
Friday, May 3, 2013
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Day 88 - End of the Road
Day 88 - Sunday, July 22
Trough Creek (1,486.8) to Interstate 5 (1,506.5)
Miles today - 19.7
My time on the PCT officially came to an end this afternoon after doing a quick 20 miles by 1 pm and hitting the 1,500 mile mark along the way.
Then it was a hot and painful two mile road walk to the town of Castella, where I celebrated the end of my journey with a cold beer.
Bronco's parents drove down from Oregon and picked us up, and then dropped me off in Dunsmuir a few miles up I-5, where I'll be catching the Amtrak in the middle of the night. I decided to get a motel room so I could take a shower and have somewhere comfortable to hang out. Unfortunately the laundrymat in town was closed, so I had to hand wash my clothes in the sink. My shirt is still dirt brown and makes me look like a bum, but at least it smells somewhat clean now. I went out for pizza, bought some deodorant, and then watched TV for the rest of the night until it was time to catch my train. I'll miss the PCT, but I'm excited to get home and see everyone.
Trough Creek (1,486.8) to Interstate 5 (1,506.5)
Miles today - 19.7
My time on the PCT officially came to an end this afternoon after doing a quick 20 miles by 1 pm and hitting the 1,500 mile mark along the way.
Then it was a hot and painful two mile road walk to the town of Castella, where I celebrated the end of my journey with a cold beer.
Bronco's parents drove down from Oregon and picked us up, and then dropped me off in Dunsmuir a few miles up I-5, where I'll be catching the Amtrak in the middle of the night. I decided to get a motel room so I could take a shower and have somewhere comfortable to hang out. Unfortunately the laundrymat in town was closed, so I had to hand wash my clothes in the sink. My shirt is still dirt brown and makes me look like a bum, but at least it smells somewhat clean now. I went out for pizza, bought some deodorant, and then watched TV for the rest of the night until it was time to catch my train. I'll miss the PCT, but I'm excited to get home and see everyone.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Day 87 - Final Sunset
Day 87 - Saturday, July 21
Dirt road (1,463) to Trough Creek (1,486.8)
Miles today - 23.8
It was another long day, this time there were no views of any kind. Just forest walking and dodging poison oak, which was everywhere along the trail. I can see why people say Section O (Burney Falls to I-5) is the least interesting and most tedious section on the trail.
Bronco and I hiked with Data for most of the day. I've seen him occasionally since the first week, but this was the first time hiking with him. He's done the PCT and Colorado Trail before, so we had a lot to talk about. He's always really positive and enthusiastic about everything, so it was fun to hike with him. Seeing all the other hikers that I've gotten to know over the past three months is definitely what I'll miss most when this trip is over. I'll also miss camping. This is my last night on the trail. I do look forward to sleeping in my bed again though!
Dirt road (1,463) to Trough Creek (1,486.8)
Miles today - 23.8
It was another long day, this time there were no views of any kind. Just forest walking and dodging poison oak, which was everywhere along the trail. I can see why people say Section O (Burney Falls to I-5) is the least interesting and most tedious section on the trail.
Bronco and I hiked with Data for most of the day. I've seen him occasionally since the first week, but this was the first time hiking with him. He's done the PCT and Colorado Trail before, so we had a lot to talk about. He's always really positive and enthusiastic about everything, so it was fun to hike with him. Seeing all the other hikers that I've gotten to know over the past three months is definitely what I'll miss most when this trip is over. I'll also miss camping. This is my last night on the trail. I do look forward to sleeping in my bed again though!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Day 86 - Accepting Fate
Day 86 - Friday, July 20
Peavine Creek (1,437.3) to dirt road (1,463)
Miles today - 25.7
Today felt really long. Maybe because I'm anticipating going home in a few days. Or maybe it's because this section of the trail isn't great. It's overgrown in some spots, sometimes requiring me to push through thick brush. And other than the occasional view of Shasta there hasn't been much to look at. Shasta is incredible though, so it kind of makes up for the boring bits.
My back felt better yesterday after the day of rest, but it hurt for most of the day today. It's not bad enough to keep me from being able to do 25+ mile days though, so sometimes I wonder if I'm just using it as an excuse to go home. I always told myself I would never quit unless I was physically unable to walk or if there was some kind of family tragedy back home. But it's one thing to say that from the comfort of home before the trip. It's another thing to be out here trying to tolerate the pain day in and day out. It's made every day, every mile, feel like a grind, and it's just not enjoyable anymore.
I got cell service during one of our breaks this afternoon and I made the mistake of checking Facebook and seeing all the messages of support left by friends and family after hearing that I'm ending my hike. I certainly appreciate the support and it feels good knowing that so many people were cheering for me, but I can't help but feel like I've let them all down, even if I know that isn't the case. As I hiked on with these thoughts racing through my head I became so overwhelmed that I almost had to stop and sit down. I feel so much pressure to continue, mostly from myself and not wanting to fail, but I know I'm making the right decision.
Above: Camping right on a dirt road, the flattest spot we could find.
Peavine Creek (1,437.3) to dirt road (1,463)
Miles today - 25.7
Today felt really long. Maybe because I'm anticipating going home in a few days. Or maybe it's because this section of the trail isn't great. It's overgrown in some spots, sometimes requiring me to push through thick brush. And other than the occasional view of Shasta there hasn't been much to look at. Shasta is incredible though, so it kind of makes up for the boring bits.
My back felt better yesterday after the day of rest, but it hurt for most of the day today. It's not bad enough to keep me from being able to do 25+ mile days though, so sometimes I wonder if I'm just using it as an excuse to go home. I always told myself I would never quit unless I was physically unable to walk or if there was some kind of family tragedy back home. But it's one thing to say that from the comfort of home before the trip. It's another thing to be out here trying to tolerate the pain day in and day out. It's made every day, every mile, feel like a grind, and it's just not enjoyable anymore.
I got cell service during one of our breaks this afternoon and I made the mistake of checking Facebook and seeing all the messages of support left by friends and family after hearing that I'm ending my hike. I certainly appreciate the support and it feels good knowing that so many people were cheering for me, but I can't help but feel like I've let them all down, even if I know that isn't the case. As I hiked on with these thoughts racing through my head I became so overwhelmed that I almost had to stop and sit down. I feel so much pressure to continue, mostly from myself and not wanting to fail, but I know I'm making the right decision.
Above: Camping right on a dirt road, the flattest spot we could find.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Day 85 - What is This? Rain?
Day 85 - Thursday, July 19
Burney (1,415.7) to Peavine Creek (1,437.3)
Miles today - 21.6
Bronco and I got a ride back to the trail this morning from a guy who hiked it in the early 70's. Back then there wasn't a continuous trail yet, so he had to piece together his own route using maps. There wasn't ultralight gear, cellphones, internet or all the other planning resources we have today either. It was a much more hardcore adventure. But he said even back then there was help from trail angels.
Something strange happened today. I rained! Not for long, maybe a couple minutes, but it's the first precipitation in over a month. I wouldn't have minded a little more rain, at least enough to get the ground wet. The trail is so dusty that my feet and legs get covered in dirt every day.
Burney (1,415.7) to Peavine Creek (1,437.3)
Miles today - 21.6
Bronco and I got a ride back to the trail this morning from a guy who hiked it in the early 70's. Back then there wasn't a continuous trail yet, so he had to piece together his own route using maps. There wasn't ultralight gear, cellphones, internet or all the other planning resources we have today either. It was a much more hardcore adventure. But he said even back then there was help from trail angels.
Something strange happened today. I rained! Not for long, maybe a couple minutes, but it's the first precipitation in over a month. I wouldn't have minded a little more rain, at least enough to get the ground wet. The trail is so dusty that my feet and legs get covered in dirt every day.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Day 84 - Zero in Burney
Day 84 - Wednesday, July 18
Burney (1,415.7)
Miles today - 0
I think today was the first time on this entire trip that I got to sit around and do nothing all day. I left the motel room three times - for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Otherwise I was laying in bed watching TV. For once there was no grocery shopping or other chores to do. It was exactly the kind of zero day I wanted, and what my body needs. I could probably use several more days like this.
Even with a day of recovery I've decided to end my journey in four days when I reach I-5. From there I'll get a train home from Dunsmuir. I don't think I have two more months left in me physically and I just don't have the desire to keep going.
Burney (1,415.7)
Miles today - 0
I think today was the first time on this entire trip that I got to sit around and do nothing all day. I left the motel room three times - for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Otherwise I was laying in bed watching TV. For once there was no grocery shopping or other chores to do. It was exactly the kind of zero day I wanted, and what my body needs. I could probably use several more days like this.
Even with a day of recovery I've decided to end my journey in four days when I reach I-5. From there I'll get a train home from Dunsmuir. I don't think I have two more months left in me physically and I just don't have the desire to keep going.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Day 83 - Needing a Break
Day 83 - Tuesday, July 17
Hat Creek Rim (1,388.9) to Burney (1,415.7)
Miles today - 26.8
We crossed the rest of Hat Creek Rim this morning while it was still cool.
Thankfully a water cache broke up the long dry section. Once off the rim we stopped for lunch along the side of a road. A car pulled over and the woman offered us water and a ride to the town of Cassel. We declined the ride, but happily took the water. It's not very often that people will go out of their way to help total strangers without even being asked.
Above: Mt Shasta in the early morning.
Bronco and I are both tired and hurting, so when we got to Hwy 299 we decided to hitch into Burney to eat and rest up. It's been a while since our last zero day, so we're going to hang out here all day tomorrow.
One of the things I love about hiking with Bronco is that he loves to eat as much as I do. I suppose most most thruhikers obsess over food, but Bronco never needs to be convinced to go eat like some of the other people I've hung out with in towns. He's always ready to put away massive amounts of food. The waitress at dinner tonight was in shock by how much we ate.
Hat Creek Rim (1,388.9) to Burney (1,415.7)
Miles today - 26.8
We crossed the rest of Hat Creek Rim this morning while it was still cool.
Thankfully a water cache broke up the long dry section. Once off the rim we stopped for lunch along the side of a road. A car pulled over and the woman offered us water and a ride to the town of Cassel. We declined the ride, but happily took the water. It's not very often that people will go out of their way to help total strangers without even being asked.
Above: Mt Shasta in the early morning.
Bronco and I are both tired and hurting, so when we got to Hwy 299 we decided to hitch into Burney to eat and rest up. It's been a while since our last zero day, so we're going to hang out here all day tomorrow.
One of the things I love about hiking with Bronco is that he loves to eat as much as I do. I suppose most most thruhikers obsess over food, but Bronco never needs to be convinced to go eat like some of the other people I've hung out with in towns. He's always ready to put away massive amounts of food. The waitress at dinner tonight was in shock by how much we ate.
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