Mrolph - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2008
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Martin "Lei Low" Rolph
City: Cameron Park
State: CA
Country: USA
Begins: Apr 12, 2008
Direction: Northbound
Daily Summary
Date: Fri, Dec 5th, 2008
Start: Cameron Park, Ca
End: Cameron Park, Ca
Daily Distance: 0
Trip Distance: 2,448.4
Journal Stats
Entry Visits: 2,187
Journal Visits: 184,090
Guestbook Views: 5,674
Guestbook Entrys: 35
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Epilogue
It’s hard to find words that sum up my PCT adventure. I’ve been home for few months and I still can’t believe I walked that far. I came through the adventure in good health. I never got sick and the only injuries I suffered were shin splints in Southern California, and a few minor blisters. I lost quite a bit of weight on the trip. Last January, I weighed 172lbs. I trimmed some weight during my training and started from San Diego at 158lbs. My weight on arriving at home was 140lbs (150 – 155lbs is a comfortable, slender weight for me).
Then there is the issue of the miles I skipped due to the fires. I decided not to try and hike them this fall. Most of the trail is open again except for a stretch near Belden. I might go back and hike the missing section next year, but I consider my adventure complete.
I still can’t answer the “why” question. I definitely pushed my limits of physical and mental endurance. However, there was no magical self discovery or other revelations. I’ll have memories to last a lifetime. I also met some wonderful people along the way…some of them fellow hikers, and others generous souls who live near the trail and support the annual tide of stinky trekkers who walk through. Thank you Trail Angels!
Some trekkers become addicted to long distance hiking and go on to repeat the PCT or do other long trails. I don’t think that will be me. I’m glad I went and that I finished, but I’m done with hiking trips longer than 3 or 4 weeks. I’d like to try other and completely different adventures.
I can’t end this log without thanking my support crew. My family was wonderful in supplying logistic and moral support, especially Mom, Dad, Rik and Sus. But most of all, I have to thank Boulderbunny. I would have never attempted the trip without her encouragement. She was there on the phone when I called needing gear or food sent out. She was there and had the right words when my morale was low and I wanted to quit. She stayed home and worked while I went off and pursued a dream. Thank you Boulderbunny, I love you!
Martin "Lei Low“
