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8.2.19 Snoqualmie Pass, WA.
BACK ON TRAIL!
As we roll up to the trailhead, my mind is exceptionally clear. Welcomed by the unambiguous smell of petrichor, you know that earthy smell just after it rains?I am home. Nearly a year ago I stepped up to the same trail head and unbeknown to me, it would be the last time I would hear my mom’s voice, “I love you, Pep. We will see you Canada soon.” Today, I step here with confidence. Is it because I am home? Is it because I am surrounded by trail friends who have made this process gentle and warm? How did I arrive to this space of confidence and bliss, knowing I’d be walking over the same miles I said my goodbyes to my Ma? Celebrate. Tribute. Memory. Before taking our first steps, I call dad, “I am ready. We are going to start walking!” Dad replies “okay, you know Mom is with you, right?” “I know, Dad. She’s here.” Lets do this. .
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Beginning to walk, the morning brought some light fog. But the ferns and wildflowers surrounding the trail were perfectly sprinkled with rain drops. Appreciating the little beauties along the way, I can’t stop smiling. It is this trail where I became so raw and accepting of my being. How can I not smile? Fog begins to clear, sun starts to warm us. Disconnecting from the distracting, busy world and initiating my primal self, my essential identity; my heart is immediately filled with gratitude. I am back to finish what I started and this time to celebrate my Ma, this time to Canada! .
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71 miles in 4 days, oh yeah, that’s what hiking feels like. Everything hurts. Dropping my base weight by 7 pounds, leaving room to carry heavier emotions. But so far, emotions are light. I am having fun and so happy to be here. I am so grateful for this community. And I thrive in uncomfortable spaces. This is where I belong. .
Thank you @_jamielambert_ for all your support and hiking with me these first four days! You’re such a warm, beautiful soul. Thank you, @justinhelmkamp for meeting us on trail and bringing us avocados and sparkling water! @cotezi and I will carry on to Canada together. I love this community! Did I say that? Are you still reading?
HALF WAY THERE
& on my three month trail-iversary!! I am so absolutely thrilled to have come this far and cannot wait to see what the second half of this adventure holds. Canada, I’m comin (in another 1,325 miles lmao)!!! #pct #pct2019 #withguthook #halfway #oooh #imhalfwaythere #oooh #livingonaprayer
Man Eaten Lake, Marble Mountains Wilderness
A favorite stopover on the Pacific Crest Trail, the ominously named Man Eaten Lake glints and glistens in all of its emerald-hued glory. | Photo by @boyfriday
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Some days seem to blend together out here, but today was not one of those days. Lassen Volcanic National Park felt like a day on vacation rather than a day on trail. There were geothermal wonders (with no crowds!), bear sightings (I saw my first 2!), lake swims, and beachside naps. Yep, today was a good day.
PCT day 106 // 28.7 miles // 1370.4 total miles