Day 134, 22.5 miles
Today was kinda’ weird. I was excited so I hiked fast. Then I was sad and I hiked slowly. I listened to my music. Then I was happy and I danced down the trail. What a goof. It doesn’t matter out here. No one judges. There are no worries. Joyful. Carefree.
We have only 19.5 miles to the monument, then another 8-9 miles to hike in to Manning Park Lodge. Last one to Canada wins.
Again I am so fortunate with the weather. Lovely temperature and no rain. Oh, I saw the fattest marmot. He must have been old. He waddled down the trail and onto the rocks below. He didn’t hide. It looked like he couldn’t find a hole big enough and it seemed he didn’t care anyway.
Running-Back and I reached the monument at 4pm, August 23rd. There was no one there. It was peaceful. I wasn’t overly emotional. I just felt content. I’ve thought about this moment for months. It is now and I am here.
We hiked on another 2-3 miles and found a few of my Vancouver hiking peeps at a tent site called PCT Camp. Yay! It was Wiki, Shabu, Midnight-snacks, and GQ. They hiked in to meet us. They brought food too! I love my hiking buddies! We all camped together, my last night outside. For now.
I know you love me. I know you care. I can feel it. I have felt your love every day. You have been with me every step, every mile. I have felt your presence and positive energy propelling me forward and keeping me safe along this magical trail. I am grateful to you.
You are my friends, family, West End Yogis, Wednesday hiking peeps, Thursday night gals, school friends, and the wonderful community that I live and work in. Thank-you. I love you.
And you are complete strangers who have helped me along the way and given me advice and encouragement. I am so grateful to you. I feel very blessed.
The Pacific Crest Trail cast it’s spell on me a long time ago. I will always be spellbound by it’s magic. I hope you feel the magic too.
……gear review. Stay tuned.
trail whispering - moonshadow 