Tag: Triple Crown

Embrace the New Chapter

Hiking

Initially was going to start this post with a ‘sorry I haven’t posted in a while’. But I am not. This last month or so I have been sorting things out for myself. Clearing my head and determining my next life steps. In October I celebrated my 48th birthday, it was similar to an out of body experience. I was surrounded by people but alone. It is a strange yet familiar place for me. People look at me but they don’t actually see me for who I truly am. There is so much about me they do not know, at times I can see in the faces filling in the blanks with what makes them comfortable. Who will they decide that I am?

In Portland for my birthday I explored the city, trails and saw old friends. Mainly I was there for the ALDHA West Gathering, a hiker get together that includes speakers, Trail Angel/Triple Crown Awards and Board elections. I won a sweet Hyperlite backpack playing bingo and the 60’s costume contest!

Nice Bingo Win
60’s Chic

The Triple Crown award presentation was enjoyable, I did a very short acceptance speech, it was recorded but I haven’t seen it yet, it was kinda a blur.

TC photo

That’s where the Board elections come in. I ran for a member at large seat. It seemed like a great way meet other hikers, learn more about long distance hiking/conservation and offer my skills as a way to give back to the community. I won! I was shocked (there were some other great candidates) then excited.

group aldha

ALDHA West board members '19
ALDHA West Board Members

So it’s gonna be a busy and excited winter learning new things, meeting new people, working with the board and living in Tahoe. That’s a whole lot of new.

Don’t Stop Believing – Journey

AT, CDT, Hiking, PCT

wa podcast

Chardonnay- Looking for a Triple Crown This Summer

 

If you haven’t heard I did a podcast interview with Rudy over at Cascade Hiker Podcast. We chatted about thru hiking, what inspires me, and going for the Triple Crown. Going for the Triple Crown (hiking the three major U.S. long-distance trails) is something I don’t really talk about much. Seriously go check it out. He has a great conversational style and besides me he has talked to some really interesting, motivating and knowledgeable outdoorsy people! Let me know what you think, my recorded voice sounds kinda dorky but I tend to be my harshest critic!

Reminiscing – Little River Band

AT, CDT, Hiking, PCT

 

April is derived from the Latin aperire meaning “to open”, for me that means two things: opening my memory book, reflecting and being open to what the future holds. Also it’s “trail-aversary” time!!

4/12/15 started hiking Pacific Crest Trail
4/15/16 started hiking Appalachian Trail
4/13/17 started hiking Continental Divide Trail

Let me tell you it feels so strange not to be heading out for a thru hike this week, it’s like I’m missing something. Just can’t shake that ‘isn’t there something I’m supposed to be doing’ feeling. Thinking back to my first day on the PCT I waved enthusiastically to my friend that drop me off at the southern terminus.  Trying to look brave and confident I turned and realized I didn’t know which way the trail actually was! Thus began months of me muttering some variation of “where is the trail?….is this the trail?…..why am I not on trail”?

Sometimes in regular life I am plagued by these questions still. Am I going in the right direction, is this the right life path? These are great questions to revisit on the regular. Otherwise you may find yourself wondering aimlessly, lost if you will. Heck I got ‘lost’ going to a friend’s house recently. I took the wrong exit. Trail lesson: check your map

Thru hike PCT California chardonnay
chardonnay PCT thru hike in N. California

People have asked which trail was my favorite. The Pacific Crest Trail, of course, it was my first and holds a special place in my tiny heart. The CDT was challenging, but fun and the AT was, well, the AT. But I hear the parts I’m going back for are awesome.  All three are amazingly different and offer their own challenges. Trail lesson: celebrate our differences

 

chardonnays PCT thru hike in Washington
chardonnays PCT thru hike at Rainy Pass

Since I got a month before I hit the trail I’ve been helping others get to the PCT terminus to start their journeys and picking up hitching hikers.  I found gratification in hearing their stories and lending encouragement. Trail lesson: be of service to others

Three years of long distance hiking reminds me the importance of appreciation, kindness, community, dreaming, good wine, and good shoes. Long distance hiking is hard…. but I’d do it all again! It’s good to reflect remembering where you started and how far you have come. But stay open to the future possibilities!

Speaking of anniversaries…… it’s the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act!  The PCT, CDT and AT are just 3 of the eleven National Scenic Trails. Get out there and find your trail! I see more trails in my future! Happy Trails!