Not hiking...just thinking...

Do you ever have someone ask you about something you are excited about then get that distant, glassy eyed  (bored) look when you excitedly tell about it? It’s commonly seen with new parents and
grandparents (I know, I've been there!) I am finding that I am getting that reaction more and more often now. We were at a family get together this holiday weekend and someone asked me about our hiking adventures then just sort of glassed over. I caught the look and made a short answer and let it lie. Not everyone is really excited about our adventure and that’s okay. Most people think we (all long distance hikers) are crazy anyway. Why hike? Like most distance hikers we can’t give a simple answer other than it’s just something we have to do—an itch you’ve gotta scratch.

Most people don’t really want to hear about our hiking adventures. They are usually bored with our constant prattle about it or perhaps jealous that they don’t have the ambition to do it but mostly, they are just polite or because they love us anyway. I think about hiking 2650 miles and my mind (and stomach) does flip flops. Of the less than 1000 people who start this adventure each year only about ½ of them go the entire distance.  We want to be included with those few people who see the sights you can only see on this trail. We want to cross the finish line in Canada and be able to stand proud and say with wonder, “look at what we did!” Even after our short weekend hikes there is such a high, a feeling of accomplishment when you think about what you’ve done, how hard you worked and how good you feel to be alive. It's earning your own respect. It’s a rush that you can’t explain. Only a few years ago I would have laughed at you if you’d told me I’d be taking on this challenge. Not only was I too heavy physically, I was too demoralized. I was insecure and ready to settle into my “golden years” in the recliner but now? Now I feel alive like I’ve never felt before. Like my real life is just ahead and waiting for me to go and get it. I want to inspire and encourage others as we have been inspired.

Glassy eyed looks? That doesn’t dampen our enthusiasm or keep us from talking about it. Jeff and I talk about the PCT daily to each other and anyone near—new ideas, planning logistics and the list never ends. Speaking of logistics, we are getting to that stage in our planning—resupply drops. Where, when and what? At the moment, we are strongly leaning toward purchasing as much of our supplies on trail (or within a few miles) and only having resupply packages every 100-150 miles. We are finding that with our current food selection, we can only carry about 4 days of food so we need to make some adjustments. We hope to maintain a 20-25 mile/day average in order to allow for some zero days and yet finish in 5 months. Five months? Yeah, carrying our food water and beds on our backs, sleeping on the ground every night, peeing behind trees---for 5 months…See what I mean, the list never ends of things we need to think about. Sigh.

We use hiking photos as screen savers and each one amps the desire to be hiking. Sit at home and relax? Not happening! It’s so hard to stay home and do anything—even catching up on the blog! Right now we want to hike every chance we can while the weather is still decent. Want to visit with us? Put on some hiking shoes and let’s go! We’d love to have you join us!

Still talkin' and walkin'

Jeff 'n Sue