This is a picture of us at the northern terminus of the Long Trail in July, a few days before our 1st year anniversary. We decided to celebrate by spending 8 days in the Vermont wilderness. One could say it was also some sort of a test, to see if an epic hike was even possible. Well, I guess we passed.I met Emily at an Arizona campground on May 1st of 2003, exactly 17 days before I began my solo hike of the Appalachian Trail. Almost 5 1/2 years later, we are married and in the initial phases of planning this hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. I can't believe it. How lucky am I? That she WANTS to do this. I feel like I hit the jackpot.
Now, that being said, I am nervous, maybe even scared like she wrote in the first entry. The PCT isn't the AT. It's much different... much further away... more miles (almost 500 more)... higher elevations... we'll need an ice axe for part of it. What, an ice axe? Yep, and we've already talked to our friend Sean about teaching us the art of self-arrest.
Most on my mind though, is the trail coexistence. Certainly, we won't be happy newlyweds for the entire hike, let's be realistic here. There might be some tiffs, an argument or 2, some silence. How will we deal? And I hike faster than her. She might resent me for walking too fast, I might feel the same way towards her because she doesn't. Well, I honestly can say that I know that we can and will work through it, and it will make us a stronger couple. For that I am excited. And for this 6-month long hike with my wife I am excited!
I am so happy for you guys! In my opinion you are doing the absolute right thing! Aloha- Kathy
ReplyDeleteI promise you it won't all be sunshine and roses. Well, it kind of will - we didn't have any rain (at all! Like not even a single drop) until well past Lassen Volcano NP. But I meant in the figurative sense. Abby and I had our share of shouting matches, stomping fests, and hours of glaring at each other's backs with laser beam eyes. But we've taken three trips together of 6+ months now, and I really think that we are best when there is no one else to depend on. You CAN'T stay mad, since you only have each other for company and there's no one else to depend on. Some couples hike separately and wait for each other at certain spots, we chose to stay more or less within sight all the time. Honestly - it's not like you're going to be talking to each other non-stop, I mean, you're walking for 10+ hours a day for 5 months. You sort of run out of things to say at times... which is good though.
ReplyDeleteI'm super pumped for you guys! And jealous. Have you talked to Jeannette yet? She was through Anchorage several weeks ago and I gave her our journal - she said she'd mail it to you when she read it.
I need to give you a call before you start!
Rideout