Date: 2009-10-20
To: Home Sweet Home
Miles today: 0.0

I've been home for over a month now and am pretty much settled back into life. I've finally started looking for employment, but in the meantime grad school is keeping me plenty busy. It took me several weeks before I found my brain again so that was a challenge early on in the semester. First, I'd like to mention that I've reviewed all of my gear in my gear gallery, and at the bottom of this entry will post my final gear list since a few of you have asked for it. But definitely check out my gear page for reviews and more info. Also, just email me if you have any specific gear questions (or any questions about planning a thru-hike at all, for that matter). Many a trailjournaler helped me prep for my hike, so I'm more than happy to return the favor to future hikers.So how has the transition back to my pre-hike life been? Difficult, isolating, relaxing, happy, sad. Just like during the hike itself, I've experienced a whole lot of different emotions about being home and not thru-hiking anymore. For the first 10 days or so my poor body was not happy. My muscles tightened, my back seized, I was in more pain than I ever was out on the trail! But that gradually went away, and while my big toes are still numb and my feet still ache when I get out of bed in the morning, physically I pretty much feel like my old self again. But then there is the emotional part of the transition, which has been quite a challenge. I miss the trail everyday. I miss my trail friends, I miss my tent, my sleeping bag, mountains, fresh air, hiking, all of it. Everyday out on the trail was epic, with an endless amount of exciting things and interesting people filling it. Back in normal life a day goes by and I don't even know what I did with it. Time just ticks away. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to go to ALDHA's The Gathering a few weeks ago where I saw many old hiker friends and met many new ones. It was a wonderful way to wrap up the hiking season and give some time and space to the importance of my hike. At home no one really knows what I've done or have been through, but with all of those long distance hikers in one place, it's impossible to feel misunderstood or alone. Hanging out with Team MFA (Muster, Storm, and I) was incredible and just like old times.I received my 2,000 miler certificate, patch and rocker and am planning on putting it in a special place where I can always see it, next to my AT map maybe. I still haven't sent out all of my thank-you notes to everyone who helped me along the way. It's hard to get motivated to do the totally last thing that means my hike is completely over.I'm slowly starting to think about what next adventure I can get into. I'm not quite ready for another thru-hike yet, but I'd love to go finish the Long Trail. And that National Parks special on PBS made me want to see so many other places! But in the meantime, I'll just continue to organize my AT photos, reconnect with trail friends, and have fond memories of the biggest accomplishment of my life.I have so many people to thank for helping me along the way. While I actually put one foot in front of the other, there is absolutely no way I could have done this hike without the love, support and help from friends, family and total strangers. I know the words "thank you" aren't enough. But I'll say it anyway: THANK YOU. The love and support of the trail community changed my life forever. Ok, here's my final gear list:BIG THREEBig Agnes Seedhouse SL1 tentREI Sub Kilo 15 degree bag (used the entire hike)Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone pack (trash compactor bag as a liner)KITCHEN.8 L cooking potcat food can stove10 oz. bottle of denatured alcoholwind screenTitanium REI foldable spoonAqua mira water purification dropsCLOTHESUnder Armour shortsUnder Armour pantsUnder Armour tech tee shirtREI long sleeve baselayer shirt3 pairs of socks (Darn Tough and Smartwool)Marmot precip rain jacketMontbell down jacketCotton t-shirt to sleep in1 bra, 3 pairs of undiesOutdoor Research mittensWinter hatBuffshoes: Montrail Hardrock Midrise gore-tex (I used 3 pairs of these!)camp shoesOTHER STUFF:watchPeek email devicePetzel elite headlampCanon cameraLeki luau trekking polesThermarest ridgerest sleeping padCacoon silk sleeping bag linerSea to summit stuff sacs (clothes, food, sleeping bag, first aid, ditty)First Aid: a bunch of stuff, mainly to prevent and help heal blisters (just email me if you want more info!)