So....

I can't believe I am going to say this, but I am suspending my hike for now. (Can't bring myself to say quitting) One of the hardest decisions I've ever made. This trail is absolutely incredibly beautiful. But at this point, I am not enjoying it. And by enjoying, I don't mean that I expect a pine needle path through the woods with rainbows and unicorns. I enjoy a challenge. I enjoyed rock scrambling through the White Mountains in NH. I enjoyed climbing up the steep side of Forester Pass in the snow. 'ENJOY' might be a stretch for walking over the rocks of PA for a week in the rain, but I did it and I still felt like it was right where I was supposed to be. Right where I wanted to be. I haven't had that feeling here for awhile now, but I kept pushing, thinking it would come. Plus, I didn't want to be a quitter!! I've evaluated and reevaluated why. Still don't really know but here's what I've come up with. First,one of the things I loved most about the Appalachian Trail was the wonderful people. The camaraderie. I still keep in touch with so many of those incredible folks and hope I always will. Out here...in my experience, there are way fewer people. We've done days and days without seeing but maybe one other hiker. I mean, I LOVE the mountains, the forest and the solitude. But I also like people. And conversation. And laughter.

They (whoever they are) say the AT is harder physically and the PCT is hard mentally. I would have to agree.

I have been lucky to have the two best hiking partners ever with Murphy and Movin On. They have been awesome, strong, and hilarious.

But my heart is not in it. My kids are up to some cool stuff and I want to be there to see it! And, there is my move to Colorado. I'm anxious to get that figured out. The where, the what, and the when. My greeting card business. I really want to build on that. 

This is such a dramatic, beautiful part of our country. A trail to be enjoyed, not endured. I will finish it, it just won't be in one year.

So, last trail notes for awhile. Spent last night in Belden, CA, population 12. Maybe. Here's the sign as we left Belden.

Had to hitch from Belden to Quincy. 24 miles. Another part of the adventure.

Took us three partial rides...

1) a guy who climbs trees to gather seeds for a living. Took us as far as the nearest Hot Springs.

2) Ride #2- nice guy with a bit of a twitch 

who drove like a bat out of hell down windy mountain road. Took us to the turnoff for Greenville. Really happy he was only going that far!

3) Nice guy with a huge truckload of giant tree trunks that are going to be used for a sweat lodge part of a 'sun dance ceremony' for his tribe. They invited us along, and honestly I think it would have been a cool experience, but it was further than we needed to go and I have to figure out a way to get to a town with an airport at some point. (Weird 😢)

Tonight after dinner, we went to a wine bar where we met some really fun Quincy locals. Had some wine, laughed a lot and I think I have a ride to Reno on Friday, for the trek home. Somehow things usually work out if you open yourself up. 

Today was a very emotional day. Stopping my hike is not something I take lightly. Thanks to all my family, friends at home and AT friends, for the support and encouraging words today. (Which of course made me even more emotional) Once I had made the decision, I knew it was the right one, but it doesn't make it easier. 

So...for now...heading 'home' (although technically I am homeless :) to gather a few things and head to CO and figure out the next step.

And as for you PCT...I will be back to walk the rest of your beautiful miles. Just not today.