Tuesday 29 January 2013

A Look Back and Forward

"Go at it not to complete your triple crown. A number of folks who were just going for that, dropped out. It's harder than the PCT emotionally. Go for it because you love being out there no matter what happens. Go for it for the sheer love of trail." 
-Shroomer (PCT 2010, CDT 2012)

I feel my friend Shroomer makes a very good point in this quote from an email to me- I interpret it as:do it because you want to, not because you have to/feel you need to.  I feel this both embodies the 'hike your own hike' mentality of many thru-hikers, and also reminds me of my brother-in-law's mentality of 'no excuses' (because why wouldn't you want to do it?).  I truly love the outdoors, and challenging myself both mentally and physically in the wilderness brings me as close as I've yet come to the devine in my life and I plan to continue pursuing outdoor adventures for as long as I'm able.

Here are some amazing adventures I've been fortunate enough to include thus far in my life:

- Thru-hiking the AT (Appalachian Trail) 2008




- Thru-hiking the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) 2010



- Thru-hiking the CT (Colorado Trail) 2012



- Hiking across Zion National Park (trans- Zion hike) 2012




- Many other random adventures with all my amazing friends





 I cannot wait to get on the CDT!  I'm just beginning to get food and mail drops prepped, as well as making some final decisions on gear choices- new tents are expensive!  I'll try to update at least once a week up to beginning my hike in early/mid April.