Brian & Alli - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2012

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Canada

Just a short walk to the monument marking the end of our journey. Just as we began at the border with Mexico, there were the pillars with the PCT logo. At Canada there is also a brass pillar that housed the trail register and some trinkets that hikers have left. We got there at 9am, and found Sweetpea waiting for us with some celebratory beers and plums. Old Drum and Birdnut were also there.

We drank our beers, had some whisky, read through the trail register and made our own entries. We then walked 7ish miles out to the road, got in our car, and headed off.

It is strange to be out of the woods and know that we are not headed back in soon again. Sitting in my own car right now in Bellingham, WA as the other guys pick up some non hiking clothes.

Thinking about my reasons for doing the hike, and if those desires were met:

Being out in the woods for the extended period is great. I really like that....the whole groove of the thruhike with regards to the focus on the concerns of hiking and life in the outdoors is both interesting and fun for me.

The PCT has been a pretty social experience and I have liked that a lot. Hiking with my three friends has been really good. The hiking community is great on this trail. There is such a large variety of people out on the trail and good people at that. I think that I will miss that a lot.

Being away from my wife for a few months was probably the most challenging part of the long journey. Future hikes will have her walking with me or I will do shorter trips.

My body feels better at the end of this hike than at the end of the AT. I can feel my feet. They are not too swollen. My legs feel strong and I feel fitter than ever. May look for a half or full marathon to do soon. I have never run more than a few miles, but a half marathon seems pretty doable after walking this much each day.

When is the next one? Not sure. I will hike the CDT to complete the Triple Crown and get that wilderness experience, but it will most likely not be next year. Am quite interested in the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Also interested in biking the Continental Divide Trail....we'll see, the world is big!

Thanks to all who have followed the journal. I appreciate your interest, and hope it has been interesting and entertaining. Your words of encouragement have been very appreciated!

To all considering a journey like this, I highly encourage it. When I hear people ask how I and other hikers can afford to take time off from work, etc...I think the best response I can give is actually a question; How can we afford not to do things like this?

Entry 122 of 122
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