One Step at a Time…. Learning to be in transition

And so it has begun… and in all the newness of trail life the reality of constant transition becomes a way of life. Sometimes it’s magical, sometimes it’s lonely, and sometimes it’s mundane. 

What we are doing isn’t complicated. We wake up, get all of our stuff in a bag, strap it to our backs and walk north. And yet there are things we don’t think about when starting a new venture like this one. And some real truths about our bodies and minds begin to arise. 

As an experienced hiker I have been through this pattern a few times. Some of the physical things that arise are humbling. At the beginning you often feel sick from the sun, blisters arise, our feet swell and we stink… oh yes! That delighful combination of dirty socks, our trash bag and pee fills our breath every time we do a deep dive into our bags! It’s our reality. 

when you begin you think the hiking will be the highlight. But what becomes abundantly clear early on is that the next resupply stop or town we hike into becomes our priority. Fresh laundry, hot food and showers become compulsive thoughts. 

There is also the beginnings of community forming . And for slower hikers you can see all of your original group come and go… a few times over. People who started way later than you begin to pass you. Comparison mind comes into play and all of your inner patterned dialogues come into play. A strong mental game usually gets pushed up against when loneliness occurs. 

So far I believe I have given more pep talks to slower hikers on this topic then any other subject. We are so early in this journey. You are not behind. You are where you are. Keep going, you are going to  have the biggest trail family ever! 

Another important thing in regards to community on trail is that you may be hiking with a group and become quite attached to being with them. You may even hike the whole way with them. However the likelihood is that to will transition. But those relationships are not lost! The people ahead can become great resources to the community behind you. Info about trail conditions, towns, and other information can be passed down the trail. 

keep going!

Right now I am taking my first town zero which also happens to be the anniversary date of my 2016 start date! This has in many ways been an easier hike so far. The weather has been amazing! And I have connected with a small community of woman who have been a pleasure to hike with so far. My body is doing really well and looking at the PCT through my present lense of perspective is really beautiful! I love this trail!! 150 miles in! Life is good! 

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.