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Closing Thoughts (October 11)
Almost a month since finishing the trail, and what sticks with me? Mostly an overwhelming sense of gratitude that I was able to go out on this journey.
I feel as if I walked through my version of Heaven on earth in the time I spent out on the PCT. A journey that encompassed so many things: new and good friendships, a strong community and a sense of belonging in it, the spontaneity of an unplanned day, countless opportunities and times for self-reflection, awareness, growth, acceptance, the wonder of seeing these remaining wilderness areas, the deep peace to be found in the beauty everywhere.
It was a precious time. I know I am going to miss it, but I’m comforted when I think of all that I carry on with me, and that it happened at all.
I remain thankful towards all whose efforts make a thru hike possible, from trail volunteers and maintainers who put in the work to keep up trails like the PCT, to trail angels who support thru hikers, to trail town business owners who treat hikers with patience and forbearance. Thank you to all who have followed my journey, for your words of encouragement, and for being interested and caring.
Happy Trails to each of you in your journeys.
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Comments 15
Thank you for sharing your beautiful journey! You are a very thoughtful writer and I have greatly enjoyed reading your posts over the past five months. Good luck reentering the “real” world, and I hope the peace and joy you experienced on the trail travels with you.
John,
Thank you for following, and for your kind words and wishes!
Katie
Have loved all your posts, Old Soul! I was lucky to have met you. Take care.
“Clockwork”
Lance!
So good to hear from you. Thank you for following along, and always for your kind spirit. I am glad I met you out there!
Katie/ Old Soul
Congratulations Katie! You are a true inspiration for us all. I enjoyed your posts, was concerned about all of the west coast fires, you made it. Such a phenomenal accomplishment.
Sheila,
Thanks for thinking of me, and for following my journey! Thanks for your encouragement.
Katie
Congratulations for finishing your journey! I accompanied your hiking of the PCT from the first days on. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and impressions with us. I am dreaming of hiking the PCT since three years. Next year, if it is possible to enter the USA, I will hopefully start.
Erhard (Austria)
(sorry for my poor english)
Erhard,
So good to hear from you. Thank you for following my journey, and for your comment! Best of luck to you- I hope you are able to hike the PCT soon! Best wishes.
Katie
Congratulations on finishing your PCT hike. Enjoyed your excellent journal. David Odell AT71 PCT72 CDT77
David,
Thank you for following along!
Katie
Erhard,
So good to hear from you. Thank you for following my journey, and for your comment! Best of luck to you- I hope you are able to hike the PCT soon! Best wishes.
Katie
I followed the bloggers here that consistently reported, you included. Congratulations on your accomplishment. It seems that not long ago (I think it was you) that posted about a fearful night near the Mexico border that included noises consistent with a resident mountain lion. Oh the memories you must have accumulated since then and the perseverance needed to achieve them. Great job.
Brad,
You are right, that was me- thankfully I had no other close encounters with mountain lions since that one. Thank you for following my hike, and taking the time to comment! It means a lot.
Katie
Thank you for your wonderful posts. I’ve just finished reading them all. I like your style – and the wonderful pics!
Jonathan,
Thank you for following along! Thanks for your comments.
Katie