Date: 2011-06-11
To: what happens after the trail
Miles today: 0.0

WOW. No other way to say it. It has been well over nine months since we came home and every day is permeated with thoughts of our hike. As we said in many of our posts, it was a godsend to hike the trail together especially now that we are home and can share those memories with each other. We are constantly reliving last year as the calendar unfolds and I, Cabana Boy, am able to recall exactly where we were with each passing date and what we did and who we saw. I am still working on recalling what we ate each day but that would be a little extreme to the point of being creepy.... All the others who hiked before us all said it would be like this but it is hard to imagine doing something so personally significant and having it effect you so entirely. I am back at work and more focused than ever which seems strange to me. It is work after all and no one really wants to be there but for some reason, because I am so at peace with myself these days, I find it much easier to throw myself into my projects and get things done. We went to trail days last month and had the best time catching up with all the other tenners there. We managed to score a little trail magic while there in the form of camping in a strangers back yard instead of tent city, We also hiked up into Mt. Rodgers Rec area and got to play with the ponies this time. This was a big plus for Dutch Tape because she didn't get that chance last year when we were hiking thru. So nice to feel like hiker trash again! For those of you contemplating a thru, DO IT. Don't debate it, don't hesitate a second on the thought. Everyone needs a journey like this in their lives. Everyone needs to experience life as a free person, as a vagabond. It will set your soul free, un-clutter your mind. Six month straight of always happy, always glad to be doing what your are doing, always with other people who are as up as you. Bliss, heaven, Valhalla. The Appalachian Trail. DO IT. Become one of us. Be an insider. Your in on the joke and the joke is, anyone who hasn't hiked the trail doesn't even know there is a joke and damn, is it a good one. Be free. Be happy. Green Tunnel my ass. Its more like one long Happiness tunnel. The walk into the best part of your lives. At least that is my humble hiker opinion. So life after the trail is much like it was before but better. We are both happy to be together and both wishing we were back out there with many of last years crew who have returned this year. We cant figure out how so many of you are able to get away multiple years in a row. Where does the money come from cause I want a little of the pot to get us back out there. We would do several things differently second time around. No food drops. Not worth the effort or shipping charges. the same crap was available on trail and it turns out that hitch hiking is VERY easy. Much lighter gear. It is worth every penny to buy the LIGHTEST sleeping bag, tent, and pack. Our gear was way too heavy, slowed us significantly and caused a lot of discomfort. I also wouldn't waste my time carrying extra clothing. NO need for spare underwear or tee shirt. I got especially good at ziplock bag laundry on the trail. Wash it at night and wear it in the morning. Lighter shoes would be a blessing as well. My size 14's get pretty darn heavy half a million steps into a hike. Thats it. Keep it really simple and enjoy. Thanks to all who read along and encourage us. Thanks even more to those that helped us along our way. you are amazing people and it is you who change my outlook on the world.Peace, Love and happy trails,Cabana Boy and Dutch Tape