It's funny; before I even started the Appalachian Trail, people were already asking me "So, are you going to do the PCT next?" My answer was always "I don't know. Let me hike the AT first."
On the trail, many of my fellow hiker trash peeps were planning a PCT hike whilst logging the miles on the east coast. Not me. I was just focused on the terrain in front of me.
Even at top of Katahdin, climbing up the sign for the quintessential finishing pic, I didn't entertain thought of the PCT. (My actual thoughts upon reaching that sign were "Great. Now I have to walk down this freaking mountain. I'm hungry." )
I was late to jump into the PCT pool. A full 60 days post AT hike, it hit me with startling clarity: I need to do the Pacific Crest Trail! And then: I need to go back to work and save some money.
And now here we are, two years almost to the day of the beginning of my first trek. The beginning of what those in the know call "The Thru-Life"-- go on an adventure, come home, save for the next one, repeat. Its a great philosophy, really.
I don't discriminate when it comes to adventure. For me, its long-distance hiking. For others, the adventure may be finding the perfect pair of shoes and matching bag. That's cool. The point is: do it. Figure out what makes your soul light up and then do it. Have fun doing it. Relish it. Bask in it. And when its over, save up for the next one.
Over the next month, as I make the final preparations for the hike, I'll be making some changes around the blog and posting some updates. (Don't worry, I'll keep you in the loop) And then, well, we'll see what unfolds.
In the meantime, think about that thru-life idea. Define your next adventure. Do whatever you need to do to make it happen. And maybe comment below. I'd love to see what you dream of!