Maddog Murph - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2012

Let the games begin!

So today I've decided to start actually journaling. It will be my first entry on an unknown path with an unknown outcome. I am currently selling my material world away to live within a backpack, under a tarp, or in a bivysack, battling nature and my bodies protests.

I'm hoping that along the way to find the meaning of life, the secret to everlasting youth, and to dance with a bear. Swing dance preferably, but I'll settle for just a quick jig. Of course the voices in my head tell me this is a good idea, and to quiet them, I have decided to listen. If I achieve only one moment of peace during my whole adventure, I feel as if my goal will have been accomplished and I can die a content man.

Perhaps I'll encounter some people I get along with, since most people in this world seem to think I'm nuts. The most common question I get is, "Why?", and the most common response is, "Oh wow, that sounds fun!" It conjures strange emotions when I hear those two reactions, sort of like we live on two separate planets. Maybe I won't have fun, maybe I don't even know why myself? What does it matter? Whatever these people plan on doing sounds like torture to me. You're supposed to go answer the phone and sit in front of your computer every day... that is a fulfilling life? Why wouldn't you want to do the PCT? Do I have to have fun for it to be exciting, and enjoyable? Will the pain be fun in itself? Will the sense of accomplishment override the loneliness and longing that accompanies us along the way?

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