What are mine?

This is something I struggle with daily on the trail. The basics are so simple: wake up, pack your bag, and walk. It could not be any more straightforward. In a perfect world, this is all that it would be. However, this is not the case.

Wildfire season is already going strong on the west coast. I knew this could potentially be a problem for us at any point, but I did not expect it so soon. Unfortunately, fire closures are already upon us. We were forced to have to make a decision at Timmerline Lodge to skip a 91 mile section of Oregon. We were graciously taken into the home of Halo, another thru hiker, in Sisters, OR.

We slept in actual beds, took showers, ate crappy fast food, played fetch with Halo’s dog, pet her chickens, drank a free beer at the gear shop, and are now headed back to the trail.

I have to come to terms with some things. I have to understand my priorities. I am here to backpack as much of the Pacific Crest Trail as possible. I am here to see new things. I am here for the challenge and the adventure. I am just here. These new challenges are just that, and we will see them through.

Toodles, y’all.