Start: 0830 - Goldmyer Hot Springs
End: 1930 - near Spinola Creek
Miles (today): 21 (6 PCT, 15 alternate)
Miles (cumulative): 2460 (2210 PCT, 175 alternate, 75 off)

When running the Boston marathon, there was a moment where I wasn't sure I'd be able to finish.  Everything hurt (particularly my IT band) and every step took effort.  It was my first real experience with hitting "the wall" and it wasn't pleasant.  Then I saw my support crew who saved me by bolstering my spirits and giving  me the motivation I needed to continue.

During the hike back to the official PCT, I thought a lot about how this PCT experience is similar to running a marathon.  If every 100 trail miles are equivalent to 1 marathon mile, well, everything I've been going through makes more sense to me.

I hit the PCT wall towards the end of Oregon (1800 PCT miles/18 marathon miles) where my feet hurt so much and I was in so much pain that I wasn't sure I'd be able to finish.  And then we stopped in Cascade Locks, where Jack and Linda saved me and gave me the motivation to continue.

The last 3 miles of Boston were the most difficult for me - I was in so much mental and physical pain that I just wanted to cross the finish line.  At the same time, though, I knew I needed to savor every moment of the race.  I knew that when I was done I'd miss running it.  I knew it was an experience I might not ever have again. I knew the pain wouldn't last forever.  

Well, now that we have less than 300 miles to go on this crazy journey, I feel much the same way.  I want to get to the Northern Terminus SO BADLY.  I'd like to be able to sleep without waking up in discomfort every hour.  I'd like to be able to take a hot shower and drink a cup of hot tea after being out in the cold rain all day.  I'd like to sleep on a bed with pillows.  I'd like to brush my teeth with my Sonicare toothbrush again.  

And yet.

I know that I need to savor these last 250 miles.  I know that I'll miss hiking all day (well, not on the rocky terrain).  I know I'll miss the people I've met.  I know I'll miss all of it.  

So I'm torn.  I can't wait to finish yet I know that I'll forget how badly my feet hurt (although these new shoes have really helped), that I'll forget how much I hate walking downhill on rocky terrain, and that the pathetic feeling of being cold and wet will fade.  In less than two weeks I will miss the trail just as much as I miss Running (and I REALLY miss Running right now).

Anyway, the point is this: approaching the PCT like I would a marathon gives me comfort.  
I know what to expect in a marathon and now I have something to work with.  I should have thought of this earlier.

So that's what I thought about today.  :)

The hiking itself was fine.  The terrain is getting steeper but, since we've experienced trail like this in the Sierras, I don't think it's terrible (plus, I used my mantra to get me through the rougher parts).  It just has to be done.  The blueberries (or huckleberries, whatever) were very abundant on the trail and I stopped a lot to indulge.  I know I'm a hungry hiker but I really believe they are the best berries I've ever eaten.  

I met a few guys with horses and mules on the trail and stopped to chat with them.  They offered their congratulations on getting this far and said they know I'll finish.  Well, I'm not ready to relax yet - 250 miles is a long way and seeing the Northern Terminus (my finish line) is not guaranteed.  But I appreciate the faith they have in me.  :)

While I'm glad we took the alternate route because of the hot springs and because of the delicious berries, getting back to the PCT felt good - it's like coming home.  Per the plan, I waited for Nick at the PCT trail junction.  When he got there he looked a little haggard and commented on the crazy terrain.  I told him he should adopt a mantra to help him through the difficult sections and he just scoffed at the idea (I know it sounds crazy but it works - it's just another way the PCT is similar to a marathon).

Even though Nick looked a bit worn out, we decided to press on and get in as many miles as we could.  While I was making my way to the planned campsite in the fading light, I passed a tree with what looks like claw marks; this got my imagination running.  For the first time on the PCT I felt a little... Creeped out.  I wondered if there was a mountain lion watching me from the brush and tried to decide what I would do if I was attacked (hit it with my poles?).  I wished Nick was hiking with me since there is always safety in numbers (and I'm sure he could handle a mountain lion attack).  LOL

We made it to the campsite by 1930 but that's cutting it close these days - we just don't have the daylight hours we used to!!  The view from this site should be spectacular in the morning, though - I can't wait!

Along the (alternate) trail: