Lwirtz - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2016

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Day #30- Phase 1 Done

Hello family and friends,



Today is my last on the trail. Today is different. I'm sitting at a picnic table in Vasquez Rocks National Area Park. I have sat at this table quite a few times over the years- wondering, yearning, planning, and just plain craving to be a Pacific Crest Trail hiker. Well I hiked 3 short miles so far today, and here I am- a Pacific Crest Trail hiker. And now I know exactly what the powerful calling inside me was all about. I spent a month among a group of hikers with the same desire to walk and satisfy a craving that only those who do this can explain. With a certain sadness, as well as a feeling of complete fulfillment, I'm going to put my backpack on and walk the remaining 4.5 miles to the town in Agua Dulce...



I took my time walking and added a few more pictures to my collection before arriving in town around 2 PM. The animals that I saw today included lizards, birds, and horses. This was the end for me, but just another way point for the rest of the hikers that were there. I found a seat on the large western town service porch in front of the Sweetwater Farms store. Many hikers were around me, so I had a wonderful opportunity to talk to many I already knew and many I didn't. I was very happy for each and every one of the group that was moving on. There were many well wishes along with handshakes and fist bumps. Moreover, I was ready to follow their journals and walk beside them as hiker soulmate.



Around 4 PM, my daughters, Kendall & Katie, arrived to pick me up. We had dinner at Maria Bonita Mexican Restaurant for 2 reasons. #1= I was HUNGRY and #2= that's what many PCT hikers do. I enjoyed being with my daughters (who I missed very much) and sharing a great meal. They took some final photos of me before heading home. When we arrived at our house, I was greeted with a "CONGRATS" sign on the garage and a "Welcome Home" sign. Also, a big thank you to my beautiful wife (Darlene) for the inspirational frame and support. It felt great to be home again, surrounded by love and amenities galore- one of those being a delicious cheesecake in the refrigerator.



I'm home, but I'm also home with a powerful feeling (even more so than before I left on April 17th). Essentially, I am a very lucky man and incredibly blessed with good health & more than I could ever possibly need (to be happy). It's your family and the simple pleasures in life that mean so much! After some days of reflection, I am going to write one more journal entry regarding my trip. Thank you for being part of my life and this journey!



"Life is good."

Entry 39 of 39
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