Pre-PCT: Terminal Thoughts

 Here we go again…

  I’m waiting for boarding, sipping bland overpriced coffee. I can feel an anxious buzz that permeates the air. It’s palpable. You can see it mirrored in everyone’s demeanor, eye darting from phone, to gate number, to phone. Subtlety frantic. Screaming children and laughing friends. I gave myself plenty of time, now I’m past security and I have an hour to settle into this feeling and admire the parade of roller bags and neck pillows. It’s 8am and there’s already people drinking at the bar, in the holiday spirit. 

Like it’s meant to be…

  Everything is in its right place. It’s a rare and ubiquitous alignment. The pandemonium of the job site I worked at all winter is in the rear view mirror. Arrangements have been made for all my things. I feel weightless. Footloose, and fancy free. I’m ready to fly. It’s incredible to finally be here, in this space. There’s a deep and profound sense of relief. I’ve made it. It’s actually happening. I’m free. 

(The “I just quit my job” glow)

Thank you…

  I’m filled with immense gratitude. To my friends, for our last jovial gathering with the hearty food, and the heartfelt goodbyes. To my partners in the mountains who I skied with all winter. Our adventures helped to carry the momentum from thru hike to thru hike. To all the professionals who helped me with my training and recovery, both physically and mentally. 

A return…

  This feels like a homecoming. Both, in that I will be spending three days with my family before flying to San Diego, and in that soon I’ll be back on trail. I feel a growing sense of jubilation welling up inside me. I sit down on board, and soon, I’m sucked back into my seat as we lift off into the next adventure. My home city slowly fades below the clouds as we rise up into the sky. The horizon broadens, as my mind wanders. Where will this journey take me?

(Visiting family in Powell River BC, enjoying a sunset)