Saturday, May 31, 2008

Getting Weary; Ready For A Change

I have been in the “mulligrubs” today. I guess the tiredness is catching up. All I’ve wanted to do today is sit. I did manage to get the laundry done and the ironing. I got my food in order for my next backpacking trip. Also cut Gene’s hair this afternoon. But everything has seemed so hard to do and I just don’t seem to have the energy for it.

I have outlined six more days of hiking for the time we have left here—three day hikes and a 3-day backpacking trip. That will give me 160 miles of new trail for this section. I’m happy with that.

I am struggling to keep my goal in focus. In all my years of hiking, I have seldom gone alone. I have never gone backpacking alone, and I will have to say I don’t much like it. I have not been afraid, although I was a bit nervous when I saw so many signs of bear. I think what really bothers me is the loneliness. It is becoming increasingly more difficult to go out each morning. Thankfully, tomorrow and Sunday Gene will be able to go with me. Rather, I should say, he will be out there on the trail. He will drop me off at my starting point and take the truck to the end point then hike toward me. When we meet somewhere in the middle, he will retrace his steps so I will have a companion for the last half of my hike.

I do not live by hiking. There are other things I enjoy doing. I am beginning to miss trying new recipes and cooking. I took several photography classes at Life on Wheels and I am anxious to practice. There are several attractions in this area I would like to visit. I also enjoy bicycling and haven’t been riding since February. I guess all these things are playing on my mind today and have gotten my spirits down.

I guess you are probably pretty tired of hearing me whine. Perhaps I’ll just go get my pack ready for tomorrows hike.

In the words of my good friend, Herb—“keep moving forward”. Good advice.

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