I have been home just over a week. I have quickly become accustomed to a shower a day. I have cleaned out my pack and washed my god awful smelling clothes. It truly is amazing how quickly you get used to your own rancid smell while on the trail.
Most of my friends and acquaintances are aware I have returned home. Many have asked sorted questions like, Are you ok? Is anything wrong? Occasionally just, Why?
All have been hugely supportive. I have been given a lot of kudos for “following my heart”. It’s been a real eye opener.
I seem to have more to do at home than I would have anticipated. This has served to keep me busy and get me re-acclimated to “normal” life.
I am really glad I came. While I can’t wait to spend more time on the trail in the coming years, the time spent and the timing in which I returned home seems perfect.
Additionally, I have a friend from San Diego on the trail called Marmot. He’s in the process of deciding what to do this week. There is an Alaskan cold front swooping down that is anticipated to drop some snow in the mountains he is due to cross. He’s contemplating coming home for a few days, or skipping ahead of that section and coming back and doing it at a different time.
The thing about thru hikers, they are generally not equipped to deal with the extreme cold. The gear is heavy, and often not necessary. So you can spend 2600 miles carrying gear that you “might” end up using for 50 to 100 miles. Or, you don’t carry the gear, and take a few days off when the weather turns bad. Most opt for the later.
He will make whatever decision he feels in his best interest, as all thru hikers do.
Many individuals whom I met on the trail have sent texts or emails congratulating me. One went so far to say she thinks of me often, so I have not truly left the trail. Hikers are a special group of people, I am proud to be a part of.
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