It has been far too long since I've updated the blog. I meant to post something after we had been off-trail for a week - I even continued to write a bit here and there in Notes, as evidenced by the previous post - but somehow I never got around to logging in and posting. One week became two, then three, and then, suddenly, I realized we have been off-trail for almost 6 months. 6 MONTHS?!?! Where does the time go? I'm ashamed it's taken me so long to post this but I suppose it's better late than never.
There is so much I'd like to say but most importantly I want to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who read this blog. Knowing there were people reading about our adventure kept me motivated to keep writing, even on the days I felt too exhausted to type out the details with my thumbs. Despite the fact that what I wrote was often short, off the cuff, and not exactly my best writing, I am SO GRATEFUL I have those real-time thoughts to remind me of what we experienced, especially when I miss being on the trail so much that I re-live the experience by reading my own words (as cringe-worthy as they may be). So thank you. Thank you for being with me on the trail, thank you for following along, and thank you for keeping me honest.
The trail will forever be a part of me. Most days I still can't believe I was fortunate enough to have had the experience at all. I often marvel at the turn my life took when I resigned from my wonderful job in St. Louis, sold our house, and left Illinois. Even though the trail physically drained me (my poor, poor feet) and even though I was not graceful whatsoever with my physical struggles, I look back at our time on the trail and smile. We did it. We walked a continuous footpath from Mexico to Canada, made extraordinary friends, and immersed ourselves in some of the most incredible beauty America has to offer.
Yes, I desperately miss the friends and family (including work family!) we had in St. Louis. I really miss being within driving distance of all our friends and family in our hometown, too. And yes, I also miss the security of a good, stable job and the comfort of routine (like attending Bridget's Saturday morning spin class). Even so, I do not regret our decision. Sure, life post-trail is a little overwhelming at times (what are we going to do now?!?) and sure, I experience moments of self-doubt. But whenever I think of the alternative - returning to the life we built for ourselves in exchange for the 162 days spent hiking the PCT - I know we did the right thing. It certainly wasn't easy jumping off that cliff into the unknown but, despite everything I miss about my life before the trail, jumping off that cliff was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Life truly is about experiences, not things. So take the risk. Do something unconventional. It won't always be easy but I promise it will be worth it.
P.S. We finally received our completion medals a few days ago! They are pretty sweet. :) ((Now that I think about it, receiving the medals is most likely what prompted me to get back to the blog.))
Thanks again, faithful readers!
