We are camped only 20 miles south of the Canadian border. We plan to
hike 30 miles tomorrow, which includes the 10 miles to the Manning Park
Lodge. It is difficult to describe how it feels to end a thru-hike.
I think it can best be described as a high school relationship. "We
need some time apart". "Its not a breakup, its a break". At first, it
feels really good, the feelings of freedom. But then, time makes one
really miss the things that were good. So quickly the hardships and
struggles are forgotten. So quickly you want nothing more than to have
things the way they were before. But then it gets easier. The more time
apart, the easier it gets. The pictures are still on the computer, but
they are only looked at occasionally. Though parts of me want it to be
over for now, the rest wants to keep going.
Every single day I still think about how the trails I've hiked have
helped shape my life and who I am today. The easiest way that I have
found to cope is to have more goals. Right now, finishing school will be
a large goal of mine. Maybe the Idaho Centennial Trail and Colorado
Trail next year. Its hard to say, but this summer has once again renewed
my faith in humanity.
Last night on a long trail this year. Only a couple hundred miles
short of a triple crown. Glad I had the time to do this, I am extremely
lucky.
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