Ups And Downs
I woke up late this morning feeling depressed, exhausted, with a headache, and dreading the next section of snow-covered trail. Things could only get better from there, and they eventually did – after I’d slogged through 15 miles of snowpack, wandering alone in a confusing forest for most of the day with just my iPhone’s GPS for guidance, I suddenly hit unbelievably easy, clear trail in midafternoon and my morale soared into the evening.
The mental roller coaster on this trip has been pretty interesting. I feel the ups and downs more intensely when hiking alone, especially the gnarly stuff, but I’ve found that things change quickly out here; each day is very much its own adventure, and tomorrow will probably be completely different than today. That’s one of the best things about the trail: you’re never quite sure what to expect from it. Anyway, it was nice to catch up at the end of the day to Annie, Honeybuzz, and three hikers I hadn’t met before – Meow Meow, Liz, and Funyun – so I have company in camp after putting in a solid 25.1 miles.
You still haven’t mentioned if you have a ‘trail’ name or not. I bet your blog followers could come up with one. 8-) Glad your ‘low’ came at the beginning of the day and not the end. Are you getting some binocs sent to you to pick up eventually, or will you be without them the rest of the trip? Take care….we’re here to help cheer you on!
Oh Noah…Noah…
Haven’t you figured it out that you are NEVER alone on this trip…all of us out here in cyber-land are on the edge of our computer chairs waiting for your next posting! Besides, the trail condition will only get better as this odd summer wears on, so your spirit will be up..right?! It sounds like you are having the time of your life and I smell a book somewhere along with the adventure!
Hang in there. Remember most of us are jealous because you are STEALING TIME. There is no substitute. Just BE. You will pass this place once. Twice of lucky. In Oregon – I am thinking you should have clear trails by the time you come thru here!
Good luck!
Once while out for a run @4a.m. in Alaska I was running around this beautiful lake (well it was shiny from the reflection of my headlamp), I ran through some trees, around this corner and saw 4 eyes about 8-9 feet off of the ground, I said to myself “What the f#@^”. I stood frozen for the longest minute of my life with these eyes unblinking, my mind and brain like a block of cement until I came to the realization the only thing it could be was moose. I slowly backed up and as I did this the eyes ran the other way and that was when I could see the faint outline of their bodies. At this point I finally remembered to breathe.
While I was in Alaska I wanted something memorable to occur, and it did. I guess what I’m saying is love each moment of each hour you’re out there, you never know what is around the next corner. Hope to have similar adventures to your’s next year. Aloha from HI
Noah, You are only alone if you don’t let us known where you are!! Solo hiking can be inspirational!
Just keep heading north!
Del Granlund