Cstryker - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2011

Happy New Year!

Hello, everyone!

I'm happy to report that we've FINALLY updated our journal entries for every day on the trail. We're very sorry we haven't been able to update these until now, it's been really hard to find the time. We are both back at very demanding jobs, and both missing the simple life on the trail. Although we are planning to start a family soon, Topsy has given her OK to DATAmuffin to hike the Appalachian Trail someday, so he can "catch up" in our quest for the Triple Crown. We're hoping our future progeny will have the hiking gene, and maybe, if we're lucky, a family hike of the Continential Divide Trail will be in order someday. But for now, we'll just have to dream.

It was difficult transitioning back to the "real world" after our hike. We were inundated with a host of tasks to accomplish when we returned, and we are now living together under one roof - a real roof, not a tent roof - for the first time. Lots of adjustments. We both felt mildly depressed during those first few weeks, but settled in eventually. Our transition was helped greatly by the many hikers that came through and visited us during October, especially for our post-hike party. Phantom Jimbrick, Pepe Lopez, Boots, Bubbles, Crasher, Marmot & Roo, Busted Magic, Rockdancer, Balls & Sunshine, Happy Meal, Radio & Tickette, Gnarly, plus other friends and family - it was great to see you all! Later we had a visit with Eurotrash and LaFawnduh, who are now comfortably settled back in Eurotrash's native Finland, Spicerack, who is back at work in Uganda, and Cricket, who is pursuing his graduate studies in Eugene. The bond between hikers is strong; we've made many lifelong friendships.

A week after finishing our hike, Topsy Turvy walked the Portland Marathon. After a few miles of very fast walking, and passing almost all the other walkers, she realized she was really jogging. It turns out that she pretty much jogged the rest of the marathon, and finished with a time of 4:48. Not bad for someone who didn't train (for running, anyway) and never really did much running. That thruhiker stamina really came in handy!

We've both put on a few pounds since the end of the hike (especially with the holidays behind us!), but are determine to stay in good shape and get back out on the trail in the coming weeks. We're now at Topsy's Mom's in Vermont, where DATAmuffin has been reunited with his cats, whom he dropped off here back in April. Unfortunately for them, they have another cross-country flight to look forward to. Plus they're going to have to get along with Sally (a.k.a. Fish Guts), Topsy's dog. Yup, real life is complicated.

We talk about the trail a lot and miss the simplicity, the everyday beauty, and the comraderie with other hikers. We'd like to thank all those great trail angels that helped us along the way. We'd also like to wish all those future PCT hikers, especially the class of 2012, a fantastic time on their adventure. Hike Your Own Hike, don't let the fearmongers get to you, and treasure every moment. There is nothing like being on the trail. Look for us at Kickoff, and in Oregon or Washington next summer, where we hope to do some trail magic of our own somewhere.

Happy Trails!

DATAmuffin & Topsy Turvy

Entry 164 of 164
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