CT Day 5 - 17.9 miles I listened to a really interesting podcast today while hiking where the interv

CT Day 5 - 17.9 miles I listened to a really interesting podcast today while hiking where the interviewee talked about why it’s good to pursue things that are uncomfortable. There’s so much about long distance hiking that’s not comfortable in the least bit, and I constantly question why I’m out here. The pain in my feet, the weight of my pack, the hot sun in the middle of the day, and the overall boredom that comes with hiking long distances. Why am I doing this during my time off? Pushing through all of those things is kind of what makes it all mean something though. It’s not just about the physical feat of hiking a long way, but the mental battle of dealing with pain and boredom and continuing anyways. Nothing good comes from pursuing a life of comfort. I’m glad we’re doing this, I’m proud of us for choosing to do this. Hiking is a type of meditation for me. After so many miles, my thoughts become so clear. The rhythm of my breathing matched with my steps and the sound of my poles clinking on rocks all becomes methodical and everything else goes quiet. There’s nothing but me and the trail. And as for pain, it only brings me back to the present. In a way, pain can be a gift. Today was good. We woke up early and hiked out of camp by 6am. It’s always nice to start in the early morning when it’s cool and there are fewer people out. It’s quiet and I have energy, so the miles seem to fly by unnoticed. On the PCT we woke up around 3:30-4am everyday - either to beat the desert heat, or to make it over a pass before afternoon storms. Out here it seems like most others don’t start till way later in the morning, but maybe that will change as we approach bigger mountains and monsoon storms come in. Regardless, right now it’s nice to take our mornings easy and not stress out about being out before the sun. By noon, we crossed Kenosha Pass. We’ve driven through here probably a hundred times on our way to and from Denver, and it’s so crazy to walk there on foot. This hike is only going to feel more like a walk through our backyard as we continue. We got water at the campground at the pass and laid beneath a tree for some shade while we ate lunch and took a brief siesta. Not long after we dove into our lunches, the campground host came out and told us we couldn’t sit there and if we were going to be here we needed to pay the day use fee (mind you, this campground is RIGHT next to the trail). So we got up quickly, packed our things and hiked down the trail. You never know how people will perceive you as a hiker. Some people are kind and generous and inspired by the long haul you’re choosing to take on, others view hikers as freeloaders who have no jobs and no better place to be. It’s kind of sad to be considered that way, but it’s also teaching me a lot about the inherent privilege I have in my normal life. We hiked another several miles before setting up camp near a creek. Today was the longest day we’ve had so far, and my body is definitely feeling it. My hips are starting to get sore, and I think I have some kind of possible tendinitis in my leg. My feet feel better than yesterday though, so that’s a plus. We’ve got a big climb and a long day tomorrow, then we’ll resupply in Frisco the next day. I’m pretty excited to get some kind of real meal when we get to town. The thought of town makes us hike faster, which is good. -- source link

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