Date: 2023-11-13
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Miles today: 0.0

Google Photos Photo AlbumI made it! I was always pretty sure I'd make it barring any hike ending injuries but you never know. I'm sure that most people begin their hikes confident in their ability to make it all the way through until something happens to end their journey. And their are a lot of potential somethings.I've heard many podcasts and read many times where there is always a time in the hike where you think about quitting. That never happened to me. Even the worst day out there I always knew the next day would be better, or at least not any worse. I knew it couldn't rain forever (but not for lack of trying). I knew trail conditions wouldn't be bad forever because every miserable section of trail was often interrupted by an amazing section of trail or a spectacular view. I knew it would get cold enough that the mosquitoes would die off. The people I hiked with all had great attitudes and none of them ever seemed on the verge of quitting. There were close to 50 hikers that I hiked with and around for significant portions of the trail and got to know to some degree beyond, "Hey! How's it going?". Only two of them got off the trail. One was due to an injury and the other as a result of a hike ending fall.  The question I'm most often asked since I got back is, "Was it everything you thought it would be."  The answer? This hike far exceeded any and all my expectations. When I learned of the trail, when I thought about the trail, when I planned my hike, everything was centered on the hiking part. I never considered the people part. The people were amazing. Talking to other hikers, this was a common experience.  More on this later.The next question I'm frequently asked: "What was your favorite part of the hike?"Unhesitatingly, the people I met along the way. Before the hike I figured it would be the views or the trail. No. I met some amazing people. Both hikers and people supporting hikers in some manner. I witnessed and experienced the kindness, generosity and selflessness of strangers both on the trail and off the trail to a degree that I never imagined possible. People were just so willing to give. I'm sometimes overwhelmed when I think about that.Another question related to that is, "what was your least favorite part of the hike."That's a tough one. Not really a part of the hike but definitely related to this question. If you read my journal I often mentioned a hiker that I became pretty good friends with, Jose Frio. We stayed in touch after his summit and texted frequently as I worked my way south. Then, all of sudden, I didn't hear from him. I found out from a family member that he passed away unexpectedly. He was a good friend to many on the trail and we were all shocked and saddened by this news. But, hiking-wise, everything that was unpleasant was part of the adventure. Part of the journey. So, while I may have complained about rocks, roots, mud, mosquitoes, privies, the weather, or whatever, without them there wouldn't have been as much of a challenge or as much of an adventure. Overcoming these adverse conditions is part of what a thru hike is all about. Otherwise, it would just be a walk in the park. Another day.Another question that has come up is, "Would you do it again?"Yes. In a heartbeat. There is just something about the simplicity of living on the trail. You carry all your belongings on your back. You wake up, eat, walk, eat, walk, eat, and sleep. Simple. Back in the real world, things aren't simple. Sometimes we don't realize how crazy life is until we leave all the craziness behind.