Day 159, Mile 2669
Sorry for the delay in this final post, I procrastinated writing this for multiple reasons partially due to me wanting to come up with something profound to say and partly because I did not want to come to the realization that the journey from Mexico to Canada was over. This is all so bitter sweet. Standing at the Monument where the PCT meets the Canadian boarder was pretty surreal. I was so happy to have met my goal of thru hiking the entire PCT but somewhat sad to be done with the adventure. Sure I have missed a lot of things being on the trail like family, friends, modern conveniences, running water, porcelain toilets, coffee shops, fires, current events, and much more. But I will also miss the simplicity of life on the trail. For the last five months and five days my only worries were where to get water, where to sleep, going off trail for food resupply, one step in front of the other, and how many miles we made. I have met some many wonderful people on the trail and had tons of fantastic experiences. Of course there were hard times or times that just plain sucked like Milk Creek's 58 brushy, steep switchbacks but that is what it is all about right, the challenges and overcoming them.
Then there were the people... I know it may sound a bit cliche but I have a renewed faith in humanity. The support I got on the trail from perfect strangers and people back home was overwhelming. From the trail angels putting us up at their homes and offering a shower or day hikers giving part of their lunches, to surprise visits and inspiring words from friends, Supervisors with the Forest Service allowing us to have the time off, and of course family members meeting us along the way and helping with the resupply. It has all been so amazing to have that kind of support from so many people. So I thank everyone for all that you have done to help us get from Mexico to Canada!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I can't forget Cookie for being my partner in crime on this entire trip. Even though it was my conjured up idea and dream for over 15 years he dropped everything to come along on this crazy journey. It was incredibly difficult and I am sure there were times he wanted to quit but I have to hand it to him for sticking with it and supporting me throughout the entire hike! Thank you Cookie I am so glad you came along!!!!
4 comments:
Stacia that is so awesome! Congrats! I've been checking here everyday wondering when you would make it. I'm so happy for you. What a great accomplishment. I'm sure its going to be so strange for awhile now, going back to"normal" life. Too bad it has to be so dang smokey back at home. Thanks for the update. I'm so glad to hear you made it the entire way. I knew you would. What great memories and experience you will have for the rest of your life! Glo
Congrats to you both from White Jeep and Seminole!! We were laid up a total of ~12 days nursing ankle injuries but now but Tina (Seminole) should reach the border this Wednesday. All the best from us both, David & Tina (tadteam.posterous.com)
I also have been at home, wondering when you arrived at our northern friends doorstep. We didn't spend much time on the trail together but I'll remember those times with fondness. I hope the coming fire season isn't too much of a shock to your systems and that your furry friends remember you! Upside Down.
Proud of you and Cookie!
Post a Comment