Post Hike
25. December 2003 — Christmas 2003
Christmas 2003
It’s nearly 2004, time to reflect on the past year. It has been a good one. I’m back in Dublin, Ireland for about 3 month after finishing at the Canadian boarder on 23. September. I’m getting the “so what changed” question a lot. To be honest – not a lot. Starting back at my old job where nothing really has changed, lead me back into my old habits and ways. Then on the other hand I think I changed. Priorities changed, my life out side work got more important. Also I got a lot more confident and out going then I used to be. Doing the Pacific Crest Trail restored my faith in people. Not that I lost it at some time but I wasn’t aware of it. If you know what I mean. The support and hospitality I received from the people on the way was amazing and something I will not forget. I think you would not be able to find this anywhere in Europe – not even in Ireland. The trail angles, like Matt & Christine in Wrightwood or the Saufleys in Agua Dulce made the PCT a truly unique, amazing and mind-blowing experience.
I’m so grateful that I was able to finish the trip without major injuries or problems. Before I started my biggest fear was to have to give up early in Southern California. Only making it something like 200 miles would have been the biggest disappointment. So my goal was to make it at least through the Sierras or a thousand miles. Well reaching Kennedy Meadows was already an achievement and probably it was the most enjoyable part of the journey. Then making it through the Sierra Nevada, mostly on my own, was very demanding and special. The scenery is just stunning and I will definitely go back to do the John Muir Trail.