REFLECTIONS ON LIFE AFTER THE PCT 2016
I has taken me nearly 9 months to write about our PCT 2016 reflections. The reasons for the delay are many. Hammer finished his hike on September 10, 2016 and did not really say much about it except that it was done. I found it difficult to write about as it was such an intense experience for the three months I was on the trail.
I was relishing in each sunrise, excited to discover what the new day would bring. So to be forced to leave due to injury seemed like a cruel punishment, I didn’t want to talk about it. So while I was forced to leave the PCT, it never left me. The intense beauty of so much of the landscape is seared in my soul. Each day I was removed from it I felt an aching need to be back. I missed the simplicity of life on trail, the challenges and the physicality of each day. I felt at home hiking the PCT.
The days traversing the snow covered Sierras, the gut wrenching fear of sliding off mountains or falling into raging streams, I was living at the edge of my skin. And I was moved to tears by the intense raw beauty of the landscape, the stillness and the silence. It has left a craving for more. Having everything I want and need in a backpack. Being aligned to the rhythm of life set by the sun not electricity. While I love having a physical home and all it’s comforts – having clean water on a tap, a warm shower and a comfortable bed. I don’t need them to be happy. “Home is where the heart is” has never been truer.
We returned to Sydney just before the New Year in 2016 and we tried to settle back in. It is still a work in progress. Hammer has decided to return to work and I am returning to the PCT in July 2017 to attempt to pick up where I left off in Ashland, Oregon. I know it won’t be the same. I’m excited to be heading back. Hammer will join me for three weeks of his vacation and I will continue on alone. We will carry pretty much the same gear as last year except for some small changes for me.
But before I head back on trail I have a date with Grandmas Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota. After breaking my ankle, I knew that I needed to have confidence in my body to undertake the PCT alone. Training has gone well and I am as fit as I’ve been in a long while.
I am so grateful to have this opportunity to come back and continue where I left off.
HI Corky, Best of luck on a safe and satisfying journey. It won’t be the same as 2016, but true adventures are never predictable and that is what make them adventures. Dede and I are rooting you on. Happy trails.
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Hi Joe and Dede
Thank you for your kind words. I am excited to see what adventures await. I’m a bit worried about the amount of snow that is around. But being a bit earlier then we were last year I hope to see some of the spring blooms in Washington.
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Well, Hello and welcome back. When will you be arriving into Medford? I will be in Ashland July 13 and will be staying for a bit. Is someone picking you up at the airport?
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Hi Jawbone
Nice to hear from you. I will be in Ashland in a weeks time, driving from San Francisco. We are planning on heading back on trail after the weekend of June 25. Of course subject to trail conditions. Will you be hiking?
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Hi again. No, not hiking. I have my granddaughter here in L.A. and will be taking her back home and then helping care for her the rest of the summer. Sounds like you are set then for your arrival. Are you looking for a hiking companion? Should be a good number of hikers in the area by then.
Jann
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I will be after my husband gets off trail. He will have only 3 weeks. I was hoping there would be some hikers in Oregon by July.
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Corky, that is great news that you’re returning to the trail. My wife Barbara and I met Hammer near Rockpile Lake last summer when we were headed south on the trail from Timberline Lodge to Elk Lake southwest of Bend. We are heading north from Timberline Lodge to Snoqualmie Pass starting July 31. We live in Portland. Maybe our paths will cross. Good luck. Bill Brobston and Barbara Bunch.
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Hi Bill and Barbara,
So nice to hear from you again. I know Hammer mentioned meeting you on trail. Our paths may cross as I may be around Timberline at that time, depending on snow conditions.
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Glad you are back and not giving up. I enjoyed reading your post. Our group will be back on the trail on July 8th castle Craig to etna
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Hi Sylvie, no question about coming back. Enjoy your hike. It is a nice section. Etna is a lovely, small and friendly town.
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Corky, your marathon result in Duluth looked great considering what you’ve been through. Congratulations. When are you and Hammer heading north from Ashland? If I recall you have some support around Bend but if we can help with resupply between Bend and Timberline Lodge, let us know. Bill & Barbara.
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Thank you for your kind words Bill. I know I couldn’t have done any more on the day. So I am very happy with that. We are planning on leaving Ashland after the 26th June. Hammer does not have a lot of time, so we’ll have to decide as we go where he will leave the PCT. So nice of you to offer your help. It is good for me to know, especially after Hammer leaves the trail.
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Hi Corky. Looking forward to reading your Post’s once you are underway. Safe travels.
Kirk
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Hi Kirk
Nice to be heading back. A bit nervous about the conditions this year. And nice to hear from you.
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You and Hammer will do amazing !! By the time Hammer needs to return to work, he may have a change of heart and decide he ‘s done with the working life …… For a while longer at least. With regard to the conditions, I know you guys will temper all of your decisions with wisdom, knowing there are numerous directional options. Be safe. Kirk
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Hammer is having those thoughts already Kirk. Won’t need much convincing. Staying safe is the goal. Just walking for days on end on snow is so mentally and physically taxing.
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Corky, seems to me you, or you and Hammer, will get to Timberline a week to 10 days before our northbound departure of July 31 so we should be able to help with resupply at Timberline or Cascade Locks. Let us know if we can assist. Bill & Barbara.
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I’m planning our resupply now so will let you know. Thank you for your offer.
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Read Jenn hikes the PCT post from today for a frightening account of stream crossings. From reading journals it sounds like enough many thru hikers are jumping ahead from mid sierras so you may have some thru hiker company.
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I hope so Bill. I was getting a bit worried about being a bit too early.
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I just read Jenn Hikes Blog. That section out of Tuolemne Meadows was the worst water crossings we experience last year. Still brings shivers remembering the roar of all that rushing water. They made a wise decision.
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Well, Corky, I am really looking forward to following along with you as you return to the trail. Best wishes for getting here and starting your adventure! Cheers, Leslie
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Hi Lesley
So lovely to hear from you. Thank you for your good wishes. I’m super excited to be heading back but also a little bit nervous about the trail conditions.
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