Chasing Rainbows

It was a fairly gray, overcast morning with a hint of blue sky hiding behind the clouds as I started my hike for the day. I came to an open clearing and there it was, a light haze of a rainbow. I smiled at the sight and plopped down to eat my breakfast of overnight soaked oats, raisins, and nuts. I snapped a photo and watched as the kaleidoscope of shades deepened a bit more.

My first glimpse of the rainbow.

After my good ‘ol breakfast of champions, I threw my pack over my shoulder and began walking again. Rain was in the forecast, and suddenly it began to fulfill that order. It was a sun shower for quite some time, with the rainbow still there. Yet the rainbow morphed into richer colors and even extended into a double rainbow as the rain got harder. I became intent on it as I got closer, chasing it, wanting to reach the end of the rainbow, wondering what would be there.

There’s light and dark on the trail, that’s for sure.

What is at the end of the rainbow anyway, I considered as I slogged on in the rain.

What’s at the end of the PCT, I went on to muse. What’s in store at the end of the trail for me?

Whoa, slow down, girl. I’m only in Southern California still. How many times have I chased something to see what was there? How many moments did I rush? How many times did I forget to exhale and slow down? How many times did I find the end wasn’t nearly as juicy as all the good stuff in between?

For several hours that rainbow stayed with me through the rain. It kept me going, as I marveled at how spectacular it was. I let go of the need to chase it and get to the end. Maybe there is no real beginning or end anyway, with life being just a continuous arc of flow, a string of moments. 

Maybe life’s really about that cup of coffee with a dear friend. That curious first kiss. A breathtaking sunrise on the way to work. Lilacs in spring. The sound of his sultry voice when he leaves a message.

Or this freaking amazing day on the PCT sharing time with a rainbow.

In Spanish, the word for rainbow is ‘arco iris.’ I’ve always liked that description.

I’ve been on the PCT for 25 days now and I can barely remember a distinct beginning; this just seems like my life. And I don’t really want to think about the end. I’ll take all the filling between, like the cream of an Oreo cookie.

My hat matches the rainbow!

I’ll take the highest arc of the rainbow.

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Comments 1

  • J R : May 17th

    Thank You! As before You have made Me Stop and Think. How often do we?

    Reply

What Do You Think?