My father drove down to Wind Gap PA yesterday. Really nice of him to do so. We drove back to NYC together. We had a great day too. Went to the Pretzel Factory where we had the best soft pretzels I've had in my life! Then we found this great hobby trail store off of Rout 33. Spent a couple of hours in that warehouse sized store. They had these giant slot-car tracks in the annex. Super cool.
Then back ot NYC, with a stop at Trader Joe's to find some snacks and dinner. Was a great day telling stories, jokes, driving around PA, listening to music and enjoying the sunshine.
Last days on the trail were great. Some of the best of the entire journey. The other night at the campsite was remarkable in retrospect. Not only did I night hike unafraid, I also slept along in the middle of the woods with out any sort of anxiety. That Bionic woman really tough me some confidence in the woods!
Spent Friday night in Wind Gap at the Red Carpet Inn.
The PA rocks were not nearly as bad as the NOBOs told me. I was pulling big miles (15+!) with out any troubles. It was not more challenging than anything other section.
So now, begins my new life. Have to get a new apartment. Buy a new wardrobe (gave all my cloths to salvation army before starting this journey). 6 months off work will feel like starting a new job.....but more importantly, I feel different. Nothing crazy happened to me out in the woods. No epic mistakes or adventures. My struggles were mostly in the mind. Competing with others. Feeling insecure. Etc. Took me several months of hiking before I found the hiker I wanted to be.....the having to stop to heal....and actually getting back out into the woods a different man!
I struggle to put meaning or insight into the memories / experience at this moment....or maybe ever.
I was simply living day to day. Solving each problem as it came.
I love that hiking for 12 hours a day became effortless. My body loves being on the move!
Over the next couple of days I'll write in my person journal all the meaningful places, event & peoples I met. Also want to do a short post review of gear / skills for a would be hiker. Things I would tell my prehike self to prepare for....
But now...the new life begins. There are a great many more projects & dreams awaiting me me still. Feel like I have the growing courage & confidence to make some of the real!
Safe travels my friends. May your journeys be exactly what need & hope for. Good times & sad, the trip is yours. People may sometimes travel in packs, but our pilgrimages are solitary.
