big bend

I was researching the PCT (again) a few weeks ago and came across a hiker who documented her trip in a series of films. Her first video summarized her experience as a whole as she talked about the “why” behind this seemingly futile goal. She talked about how the land changed her in a lot of ways that only traveling a great distance by a pair of legs and inner stamina can do. But the thing that made it all worth it, the thing that she cherished more than anything was the people. The people became the “why”. I think the same is true for any excursion that tests limits. And it was true for Big Bend a few weeks ago. Two years ago, I trekked through the same trails, desert roads and river bends. To go back to the simplicity of life on trail was like visiting an old friend. There’s a sweet familiarity of waking up to the dawn light, sometimes shaking tiny icicles off the zero degree and hoisting on packs alongside a dysfunctional yet God-fearing community that welcomed me in so kindly for this adventure. Honored and thankful.......