September 13th, 2022 and a bit afterwards: by Jon
When we got up the next morning, Wilco and I walked the two miles to the bakery so we could get our sticky buns, coffee, and other goodies. When we arrived they were totally stocked up and we grabbed a ton of stuff for everyone, loaded it into Wilco’s backpack, and then each double fisted coffee for the walk back. We sat on a table on the deck by the water enjoying our feast before finally getting on the Lady of the Lake ferry around 12:30. It was a 2.5 hour sailing back down the lake to get to Chelan and it was amazingly beautiful to watch the shore go by.
When we arrived in town, we walked the mile to our hotel, dropped off our stuff, and then headed over to a local Mexican place so that we could enjoy one last meal with Missile before he headed back to Boston. His train to Seattle leaves from Wenanchee early tomorrow morning so he’s taking the bus there this evening and staying the night. He has yet another wedding to go to. We laughed a lot during that meal to a few small mishaps and accidents, but the food was delicious and we left feeling very full, both in our bellies and in our hearts.
Missile left and then Wilco, Biscuit, Singsong, and I all spent the next 4 days doing a whole lot of nothing. We had a few amazing dinners including a huge charcuterie board, a salmon dinner, Korean bulgogi, and lots of other great lunches and breakfasts with tons of fresh food. We sat at the lake, went hot tubbing, wine tasting, and made a trip up to Mazama to check out the store there and grab some packages from the store. We watched TV, ate lots of ice cream, and rested our sore and tired bodies. Eventually, the time came to say goodbye to Wilco and Biscuit as they took off to head home and try to figure out life again.We managed to see Stealth and spend a day with her before she left to finish up the rest of her hike. We also drove Rune up to the Canadian boarder so he could begin his bike ride back down south. We spent a week doing more relaxing, applying to some jobs, and lining up a few apartment viewings before heading back to Seattle. Being back in the city felt very overwhelming. It was wonderful to see so many friends we have missed during our trip, but the closeness of everything in the city felt suffocating in a way I have never felt before. It was kind of like easing into a very hot bath. After a week there, we had managed to find an apartment and interview for some jobs before we left to go stay in a cabin on Orcas Island for a few days before we move in to our place. It’s from the beach in front of our cabin that I decided to finally finish these last posts.
It’s taken me a long time to finish this blog. Singsong and I both have been so busy with life stuff that it’s been hard to find the time to unpack this whole experience. Now, nearly month later, it feels like we have come to a few conclusions or takeaways. First, we both realized we actually really like our lives. We feel lucky to have wonderful community of friends and family, careers that feels meaningful, and the time and resources to live comfortably. We both are excited to set new roots, make new routines, and enjoy the new perspective that living without many of those things for so long has given us. Second, we met some amazing people during our hike. Friendships forged in the crucible of uncertainty, hardship, laughter, and celebration. Our trail friends are friends for life. We’ve gone through something so monumental, so life-changing and the only people who will ever know what that’s like are the ones who hiked it with us. It’s such a joy to be able to share such a meaningful experience of our life with them. Finally, it’s given us confidence. We overcame so much during this trip, adapted to meet unforeseen challenges, and pushed ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally to reach new heights. When we look back at how far we went and all the things that went differently than we thought they would, we can say we still managed to do it. I’m immensely proud of what we managed to do.
I’ve always heard about post trail depression and after a few weeks I think we both feel it to a certain extent. There is a yearning to get back to trail, or perhaps pieces of it. And we want different pieces at different times. Maybe it’s to share a meal at the end of a long, difficult day with our friends. Maybe it’s the exhilaration you feel when you get to the top of the climb, the perfect song comes on, and you both literally and figuratively feel like you are on top of the world. Maybe it’s the feeling of having such a simple and clear goal each day. Life is easier when the only thing you have to do is walk all day.
Life is complicated, and now that this adventure is at an end, we’ve had to deal with all of life’s challenges, intricacies, plans, and choices. But this experience has proved that we can rise to meet those challenges. And perhaps taught us to not take life too seriously along the way.
To the greatest hiking crew ever, y’all are amazing. This trip absolutely would not have been the same without you, Singsong and I both love and miss you all dearly. Your friendship, kindness, and generosity made this whole experience even better than I could have ever imagined.
Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to read my blog. We’ve been blown away at the level on engagement, the kind comments, and words of encouragement. We had help from many different friends and family members, friends of friends, and even family members of friends. We could not have done this without the help and support of so many. So from Singsong and I, truly, thank you.
Lastly, to my partner in crime, my ride or die, my one and only, Singsong. You are my whole world. I never could have achieved this dream without you. To get to do this hike together has been a gift I would never give up for anything. I love you and I can’t wait to keep doing life with you.
Awesome a new post again! Great post! You looked you had fun!
Hi Jon and Ajia — I am not exactly family, but thankfully am considered to be part of it. You probably already know who I am, but just in case, my connection is through Janet. She and I met in 1943 as Freshmen at Roosevelt High. We have stayed in touch most of the years – a few after college and into our early marriages. For the last few years, I travel to Seattle to visit her every Saturday That’s how I met your folks. That said – your mother gave me the link to your PCT hike. Of course, having lived in Seattle and now Kirkland all my life – and having driven up and down the west coast, so many miles of the trail are very familiar. Your jaunt was wonderful – I loved every day of it through thick and thin, hot and cold, hills and valleys. I would love to meet the two of you — maybe sometime that will work. Now you are busy settling in – home and jobs. Prayers that all goes well and this next chapter of your life will be safe and healthy. Many thanks for letting me enjoy your travel. Love and prayers – (sort of relative) Sandy Ekins.