I've been away from the blog for a while now, unfortunately, although I have been able to keep Facebook relatively updated with photos and locations. I hope that I haven't gone so long without posting that people have given up on it. Maybe we can bring it back to life here.
So, we're only four days from the Oregon border and I'm getting super excited for the weeks to come. When we get to Cascade Locks, the last point of Washington, I'll be getting a package and letters from a dear friend, enjoying a farewell-Washington beer at the Cascade Locks Hiker Pub, then heading to Portland where Nathan and I will be picking up Brooke Q., Rebekah and Kristen Q. After a few days in Portland, we will be taking them back up to rehike the section of the Goat Rocks that we just came through. It's one of the most majestic parts of the trip so far, so they're definitely going to enjoy it. After our fun hike, I'll be heading down to Coos Bay, OR to visit my Aunt Kelly for a few days while Nate spends a few days with Rebekah around Portland. I haven't seen my Aunt Kelly or cousin Ty in many years, and I'm super excited to reconnect with them and make some memories. So stoked!
My time on the trail has been pretty great. I've met such incredible people, and fallen asleep under such beautiful stars...I've never felt like I was going to bed anywhere but home. One thing that hugely contributes to the fact that the trail truly feels like my home is the fact that I fall asleep within 20 feet of my trail family - the tribe, as we call it. The time will come in Portland when we split paths for a little while, to be separated by plans and demands of life, until we can reconnect further down the trail. I would imagine that when we do reconnect, which my spirit knows will happen, that first night back around the fire will feel just as the last one did - comfortable - home. I love my tribe. Fuzzy, SnowGypsy, Reach, Meander, Puppeteer, Pop-Tart, Mark, and Rusty. This community is incredible...it's what makes the trail so good.
Beyond the community, of course, the trail itself is essentially spectacular. The views to which we've been lifted by steep, snowy ascents have been worth climbing to see more than once. The flowers that blanket the ridges of the Goat Rocks are colorful, bold displays of nature that overwhelm the nose as well as the eyes. I actually resorted to rubbing the purple ones all over my arms one day trying to carry the smell off with me. It didn't work quite as planned. The feeling of a breeze coming through a pass is a beautiful, cooling gift after a steep, hot ascent. The alarm goes off in the morning, and there's no longer any thought besides the order of things: pack up, build fire, drink coffee, eat oatmeal, poop in the woods, start walking... The walking ends and then: set up tent, blow up mattress (I hate this), fetch water, boil water, make coffee, cook supper, eat, wash pot, eat lots of chocolate, talk with my tribe, retire to tent, write a letter, happily drift to sleep. The simplicity of the existence is beautiful.
While I'm loving my new, ever-changing home, I do miss my home in southeast Tennessee. I miss my mama, my beautiful sister...my family. I miss my little cousins Jameson, Scotty, Price, and Zoey. I miss my front porch at Spring Street and the friends that were ever gathered there around food and fellowship. I miss singing with John Moore, back porch talks with Micah, and mutually optimistic illusions of grandeur shared with McClain alongside finely crafted beer. I miss those conversations with Ben that always gave insight and perspective. I miss the river, and the trout I have caught there. The mountains, the familiar back roads, the accent, the music. We've just finished our first month out here, and the faraway reality is that we're out here for three more. Wow. I can't imagine all the things that the next three moths are going to bring. Hopefully a longer beard, stronger legs, and a tuned-up spirit. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be out here, and I'm so thankful for everyone who has helped make it possible. I love you all.
Well it's time to pack up my stuff and return to the trail. I've enjoyed writing this post, and I hope that I'll return to it much more often. In the meantime, I hope your heart is full and your feet are moving.
Happy Trails
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