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HIKE BLOG

PCT Day 128, zero, Idyllwild

The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settled for. – Maureen Dowd

The Blissful Hiker in borrowed clothes underneath the chainsaw sculpture in Idyllwild.
The Blissful Hiker in borrowed clothes underneath the chainsaw sculpture in Idyllwild.

I’m amazed at how exhausted I am. Another zero seems to do the trick and I have just enough time to enjoy it in this lovely village tucked into the mountains. I should finish walking in less than two weeks. How about them apples?!

Bonita is the friendly innkeeper at the Silver Pines, a very accommodating hotel for backpackers.
Bonita is the friendly innkeeper at the Silver Pines, a very accommodating hotel for backpackers.
A young guest can't get enough of the Silver Pine's dog.
A young guest can’t get enough of the Silver Pine’s dog.
Dried oak leaves on the porch.
Dried oak leaves on the porch.
I run into Jess "Pinky" at the supermarket. Her joy is contagious.
I run into Jess at the supermarket. Her joy is contagious.

I sleep late, enjoy coffee and the New York Times on a private porch, walk to the local store to resupply, run into Pinky from way back at Walker Pass – who tells me she was stalked by a mountain lion – lunch at the Red Kettle, create another ‘Peeps of the PCT,’ dine at Ferro, get nervous about crossing a rockslide tomorrow, then cuddle into an enormous bed where I can spread out and let my legs rest up for the coming miles.

Last night I dreamt I could still play the flute but was forced to re-audition for my job, much to my dismay. In fact every night my subconscious works overtime replaying a humiliating saga of my having to prove my worth. Enough already! Just let me sleep and get on with things!

So here’s a question you might help me answer:

Is it possible – and I’m speaking metaphorically here – is it possible to continue to walk the trail after I finish walking the trail?

I realize this is a bit of a koan or riddle that I have no satisfying answer to, but I wholeheartedly welcome yours.

For now, it’s (hopefully) a dreamless sleep so I can build up the reserves of courage I’ll need to vanquish the rock slide and slay double digit miles from one water source to the next – thankfully, this time with guaranteed camping!

17 Responses

  1. Alison,
    You are exactly where you are meant to to be right now. Your self awareness of your feelings, your surroundings and your experiences is affirming your journey,
    So excited for you. And to see you, the old you, the new you, the you yet to come.

    1. yes! So many times as I walked I held the hand of me from before then felt my hand being held by the me of the future. It gave me such a powerful feeling to know I decide who all of those me’s are no matter the circumstances. 🐥👣🎒

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