Reentry from the trail is hard. It’s like jet lag of the soul. I wish I had just turned around at the border and started hiking south until the weather got too bad to be out there. Life on the trail is so beautiful and life in civilization is so annoying.
Last time I finished the PCT, I remember feeling the same way: sad and sort of angry that I wasn’t on the trail. The feelings never did really go away.
Coming back from trail life *is* hard. It took me months, and some things never get back to pre-hike ways–though that isn’t always a bad thing. The toughest part, I think, is that non-hikers expect you to be the same and for you to pick up wherever you left off. It doesn’t work that way. Sometimes I wish I could figure out how to keep hiking and never return to the “real” world.
Carolyn H.
All good things must come to an end sometime.
I am looking forward to many of your reflections from the adventure over the winter.
Hey Carolyn,
I checked out your blog. Looks like we are living similar lives.
When I got to the border, I was tired and wanted to stop hiking but after a week I was all rested and wanted to be back out there.
I’m always trying to hone my backpacking style to be more sustainable and am getting closer with every hike. By sustainable, I mean physically, mentally, and financially.
Last time I hiked the PCT, I was really tired and in pain. I would take lots of zero days in town in motels. This trip, I felt great and maybe only spent 5 nights in a motel room including my last night at Manning Park.
-crow
Hey Rick,
Thanks for writing.
Yes, I am looking forward to resuming the regular blogging this winter. I have new stories and backpacking techniques to write about.
-crow
Crow,
The financially sustaining part of staying on the trail was something I never got close to. My compromise was to move to the forest; I’m not hiking all the time, but at least I’m in the woods all the time.
Thanks for checking out my blog. When you figure out the financially sustaining part, give me a shout.
Carolyn H.
Hey again Crow.
My wife and I just finished the A.T. in September and are facing the trail to town transition for the first time. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Hi Ben,
Congratulations on finishing your trek. Have fun planning your next one.
-crow