WalkingCarrot

Deer grazing, snorting and stomping around all night near the tent. Everyone in camp was up early, full of excitement for the coming finish.

A cool frosty morning, which got even cooler as we descended into the valley just before the border. The 7 miles to the border seemed to go by very quickly, in anticipation of the end. Memories and moments from the last five months come flooding back / forward..

Colder at the border, had to don the fleece. We celebrated with Halftrack and Richard. Richard’s cigars and our Canadian Whiskey, dad arrived.

Ten years ago on this day I finished my first PCT hike, at almost exactly the same time. The memories of that finish are so vivid that i almost expected some of the thru-hikers from 94 to jump out of the bushes and join us.

dad’s finish again special
walking carrot special to finish with
memories are more vivid when shared
a different kind of elation from 94, nothing will ever match the first time. And there is no question of if that is answered by this one.

don’t have the same desire to walk out, but have more clear after life

The feelings are mixed. With the nicer weather these last few days we both once again feel like hiking and almost wish that the hike would continue. And with all the memories of the last five months flashing back before me, I am sad that this trip is ending. Friends will be separating, some we will stay in touch with and others will fade away. As with any transition in life when we move from one phase to the next, however exciting the next one may be it is hard to let the past go. Yet we are ready for it to be over. Tired and sore feet and legs will be glad to not be walking every day. And we know that the good weather will end, that more cold is coming. Like the inevitable change of the seasons it is time for us to move on.

consider ending here OR
walk down to manning
celebrate in lodge
spirit and steady
dave packman’s mom and dad
dan in the am

Phil “Nowhere Man” Hough