Everyday the trail is on my mind. It’s clearly an obsession. I feel like sooner or later someone’s going to say “… enough already, quit talking about your hike!” Thankfully that isn’t the case. Daily, I’ve been inundated with questions and shared excitement. I can’t believe it’s right around the corner.
I’m definitely getting a case of the “nerves”. Two nights ago I spooked myself reading -again- about all the bad things that could happen on the PCT (mind you, just before I went to sleep). Nightmares did not ensue, but I awoke during the night and couldn’t get back to sleep. I moved myself into the entertainment room where I found solice in laying on the cold hard tiled floor on top of my camp sleeping pad and nestling in my quilt. It was my closest version of a created night on the trail. I’m expecting nights on the PCT where something will spook me. Nights when little creatures will make their attempt to find my food. Nights when rainstorms will hit constantly outside my tent. And nights where I just might be out there alone. The reality is, if I weren’t expecting any of those things to happen I’d be fooling myself and all of you.
I think the biggest challenge we fear is leaving our comfort zone. Day in and day out, we all have some routine. We see the same people, go to the same workplace and live in the same home. It’s all comforting in its own way and for most people, it’s enough. For others, it’s never enough. For me, I’m pretty darn content. I’ve learned that nothing in life is ever perfect. That no matter how much money I make, it doesn’t mean it will make me happy. And that just because I’m living, doesn’t mean I’m experiencing life. It’s so much bigger than we know. So being comfortable today is actually amazing, but it’s time for a change of scenery. After almost 18 years at the same company, I’m ready for a new adventure. Who knew it would be the PCT???? I’m hoping that breaking the creature comforts of my daily life I will learn what the next chapter holds for me. I’ve heard the PCT and thru hiking is a life changing experience, I want to know what that means for me. I’m so looking forward to the challenge, to break from the norm, to meet people and to push my body to great lengths. So, for those who think I’m running from something, I’m not. I’m chasing a dream.
So spooked or not, the countdown still continues. My bear canister arrived yesterday. I quickly slapped a sticker on it (Thank You JamieP). I’m testing one more style of Altra trail runners (Timps) this week to make a final decision on which shoes I will use for the duration of my hike. I picked up more boxes from the post office and will start packing them within the next few days. I’ve also cleaned out the two guest rooms in my house and placed things in storage as my new housemates will arrive in March.
We’ve slated March 22nd for my going away party. Location is The Tap in Boulder City, NV. Please bring Kleenex for the tears of laughter.
KLubs on a Long Dusty Walk 