By: Luke Baum
In my time taking this journey, my strength has presented itself in many ways. I draw power from my strength, and one thing I am learned is how to channel my energy productively, especially in a partnership.
Keeping positivity alive and taking each challenge confidently at the moment they arise has motivated me along the trail. This is what I have fallen back on naturally, given that I didn’t have vast hiking experience, not to mention backpacking, before coming on a thru-hike spanning boarder to boarder.
As I'm writing this, here I am at mile 220.1 at the first river crossing of Whitewater River. It’s taken us nineteen days to get here, and we are all exhausted. The heat of the sun over the mountains, valleys, and deserts we have just terrained have pushed us against the rocks before the riverbed of Whitewater River. We are in much need of shelter from the 90 degree heat overhead, and this cliff with its awning of trees hanging off the side offers us such.
In making myself comfortable, taking in the spectacular views, I’m struck with the sense of awe and wonder that really hasn’t left since I started this trail.
Time and time again, the beauty of the world and this country takes me off guard. Everyone starts the trail with a specific goal in mind, and mine was to see more of the world in a way I had never viewed before.
I’m humbled by how lucky I am to be out here experiencing life out in the wilderness and taking in the lessons from the people and natural monuments of the land.
We hikers can get lost out here in more ways than one. We can get lost in our heads: counting miles and calories; forecasting the weather; or concerned with where we’ll get our next water, food, or bed and shelter. And those are certainly all valid concerns when it’s your life at risk here in the wild! But like myself, it seems we always find our way back to where we are and allow ourselves to take in Mother Nature and the spectacular beauty she offers.
The Pacific Crest Trail is labeled as a “National Scenic Trail”, and gosh it certainly is scenic!
Life was meant to explore all of the wonder of the universe for ourselves if only we get out an do it! You find so much; there’s an infinite amount to learn. I will continue to take each challenge as it comes and take care of myself and others as much as I can. Hopefully, my journey to discover new opportunities and lessons never ceases!
Thank you so much again to everyone who supports me; the love we share helps keep me strong.
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