I have often lived in places surrounded by people who are doing much more interesting and, quite frankly, more badass things than I am doing. My current home is no exception. If I run a marathon, someone is running an ultra. If I do 20-mile day hikes, someone is doing a thru hike logging 40 miles a day for weeks on end. If I make it back from Bike to Beers without wiping out, someone I’m chatting with is headed off to ride the Tour Divide. Seriously. But I love being surrounded by people who challenge the limits of what I see as impossible or, alternately, as achievable.
Years ago, I was brought along on my first backpacking trip. I was nervous as hell. It was a relatively short hike mileage-wise, not too far from where I lived in Anchorage. Since I hadn’t backpacked before, I was a bit nervous, but my hiking partner/fiance was encouraging. And kind enough to carry a much larger portion of the gear so it wouldn’t be so hard for me, which is honestly probably why I agreed to go in the first place. Still, the hike in was tough. I had never carried a pack before, and I’m certain my (whole other kind of ) pack-a-day habit sure wasn’t helping anything. But after getting about ten miles in with some significant climbs and descents, we set up camp in a valley about as picturesque as you can imagine in Alaska. I took off my boots, put sandals on my weary feet, and ate the first meal I felt like I’d really earned in a long time. I was content.
About that time, the wind picked up. And the rain started. Overnight, it consistently blasted against the tent in what we’d later learn were 60+mph winds. When we woke in the morning, we didn’t bother to try to cook a warm breakfast and instead started packing up our waterlogged gear. I’m not proud of the things I mumbled under my breath, but I was not a happy camper. And now we couldn’t go out the (much shorter) way we’d intended as it was now snowed in. We’d have to go out the same route we’d come in. At the peak (valley?) of this experience, with my foot stuck solidly between two rocks, my boots filled with water to overflowing, and cold rain slashing at my face, I screeched at my at-the-time-fiance-now-ex-husband (shocked?), at the top of my lungs, “YOU NEED TO MARRY SOMEONE WHO LIKES TO DO THIS STUPID SHIT!” I’m pretty sure he has looked back on that day more than once and thought he should have listened more closely to me in that moment.
All that to say, I’ve not always really been the outdoorsy type. I have always loved and appreciated nature even while being a city gal at heart, but sometimes photos of nature were juuuuust fine by me. Gradually, though, I’ve been getting out into it more and more. I’m lucky enough to live in a town that is known for its access to trails, and when I got divorced and only got to see my dog when on walks, I started hitting the trails. Hard. I’d log hours at a time every day after work to be able to spend time with my Maggie Mutt. And I set a goal with her to cover every inch of the Superior Hiking Trail. She didn’t make it (she died this past fall), but I still intend to make good on that.
I’m minutes away from getting on a plane for a several-week trip to England, Scotland and Iceland. I’ll then return for three weeks before going to Cambodia and other random places for nearly six months. This made me realize that there’s no way I’m going to be able to cover all the rest of The Trail this summer as I initially thought I could, but I wanted to see how much I’d already done. Using some rudimentary math, my well-worn Guide to the Superior Hiking Trail, and trail maps with completed portions highlighted, I calculated that I have traveled almost exactly half of The Trail.
I feel so close to you as I read your blog. Have a wonderful trip and stay safe. Love and Hugs!
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Thanks, Aunt Sue!
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Hugs my friend. ā¤ļø
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Received! And identical sent!
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There will always be someone ahead of you in miles logged – but just think of what you have accomplished! Amazing to me. Enjoy your current adventure.
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Thanks, Aunt Kathy!
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Love you sis! Those feet look pretty badass to me š
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At least my toes are did under all that much. š LYLAS!
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Love, love, love this. You are amazing and honest and real. Have some wonderful adventures!
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Aww, thanks, lady! Hope you’re doing well!
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Oh Julie I remember picking you up after that snow trip! Oh the memories – I love how you tell it. I can totally hear your mouth going a mile a minute with different phrases my young ears have not heard before ;-), but I love you all the more for sharing these thoughts. I have had some of those days, but unable to unwind in nature and making time to do that more. Wishing you safe travels and many more fun adventures! -Lynn
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Oh, Lynn, I was so grateful to and for you in that moment! And I still am! Those kind people at that random house near the trailhead let us use their phone to call you, and you arrived with garbage bags for our soaked selves and stuff. Now THAT, my friend, is pretty darn incredible. You’re the best!
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Have a safe and fabulous trip! Keep logging those miles š
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Hi Julie! I’m here in Portland! Amy told me about ur adventures….quite impressive lady! For everyone that has climbed higher or walked further there r hundreds that r behind you looking up at you!!! Safe travels! Sure enjoy hearing about ur adventures ! Keep them coming.
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