Preparing for the heartbreak

Day 133,       32 miles


Pasayten Wilderness

The storm clouds hadn’t blown over when we woke this morning.  It was windy and so cold.  I was toasty warm in my sleeping bag and tent.  I’m so glad I have my heavier bag now.  My head has told my body that I’m almost there.  I just want to stay in my cozy bag and tent all day.  Lux was up really early.  Before he hit the trail he peeked in my tent to tell me that I was “Badass.”  That was the best compliment ever.

In spite of the cold wind and drizzling rain it was another glorious day.  Washington has been amazing.  I am enjoying every day.  Such beautiful scenery.

Every day I still have waves of disbelief that I am here.  I’m so happy that I’ve made it.  It seems surreal.  I am in love with this trail and feeling heartbroken knowing that this once in a lifetime, incredible, experience is coming to an end.  My other life is waiting for me and I’m so excited to see my family and friends.  I’m a lucky woman.

At the end of every day, I try and take my shoes off as soon as possible.  If there is a lake I wade in and wash my feet and hands.  Where there are creeks I go downstream to wash, away from where we collect drinking water.  I’m in awe that my feet have carried me all this way.  I examine them.  Bulging cartilage, muscles, prominent veins, callused toes and foot beds.  I touch my feet and thank them out loud.  Sounds strange….maybe? But I talk to the forest creatures, the trees, the stars and the moon.  And that’s perfectly normal   ……right?

Nemo has arrived in the dark and is camped with Running-Back and me.   Tonight is my last night on the PCT.

Tomorrow is my last day on the PCT.  I will be at the monument in the afternoon.  I will camp near Manning Park with my Vancouver hiking friends on the Canadian side of the border.

Goodnight Moon and Stars.

18 thoughts on “Preparing for the heartbreak

    1. Awww. Paulo, you have followed me since the beginning. I’ve never met you and you gave me encouragement and support through your caring comments. Maybe one day we will get to Portugal. If you come to Vancouver please be sure to contact us so we can show you around our city. Thank-you for your kindness Paulo.

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  1. Hi Sally.
    How sad and wonderful all at the same time. Lenore tells me you’re back. I look forward to seeing you very soon.
    Vicki

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  2. Congrats on hiking the PCT, and thank you for all the beautiful photos and the blog. It has been a pleasure following
    you from the comfort of my home. Wishing you more happy trails when the hiking bug hits you.

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  3. Oh Sally,

    I welled up with tears reading this post. I am so pleased that you are home safely. You have been through so much (more than any of us will ever know) and have triumphed. You are privileged to be one of the very few breathing the rarefied air of hard fought dreams coming true.

    The beauty of nature that you have experienced is so extreme and fleeting. I am so grateful that you have shared your journey with it’s struggles and victories. Can’t wait to see your skinny, muscular self and give you a hug.

    Lux is right, you’re one badass mo*%#@F%&^er. Welcome home!

    x Tara

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  4. You once wrote… “And I will walk 600 hundred miles” .… and now you can add 2,000 miles more. The most amazing part of all of this 600 + 2000 miles is that you still have all your toes.. Happy Trails

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  5. CONGRATULATION SALLY……..I AM SO PROUD OF YOU AND YOUR GREAT TRIUMPH……WHAT AND ACCOMPLISHMENT ……I HOPE YOU WRITE A BOOK……THAN YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL BLOGS THAT I HAVE LOVED TO READ…..WHAT A GAL……LOVE YVETTE….

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  6. Congratulations! You’re my hero! Welcome back to Canada.
    Thank you for providing a season of entertainment – better than Netflix! Now what?

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