“So this is home,” he says as he spreads his arms and looks around him.
“Yeah. For the next 6 months,” I say and then fall silent to let it really sink in.
It didn’t sink in. It still hasn’t, and I wonder if it will tomorrow.
With each step I take, my mind tells me, “This is real.” Step. “You’re really here.” Step. “Your journey’s started.” Step. “See, you’re walking on the trail.” Step. “Yes, that one.” Step. “The Pacific Crest Trail.” Step. “No, not a lookalike.” Step. “Not pretend.” Step. “The real thing.” Step. “You’re here.”
And as my mind goes about convincing me, I still can’t believe it. As my legs get sorer by the minute, as I sit down to take a break, as I look up at the night sky above me or the white sandy trail before me, I still wonder if it’s real.
Later, after a late 7pm start and getting in almost 10 miles by midnight, he turns around and says, “Let’s look for home.”
I know just what he means. It’s time to find our first flat ground to set up our tents on and claim this place as home.
And suddenly, it begins to feel real.
I shudder with excitement as my desert night hiking partner and I take off in search of home.
Elina Travels 
Congratulations on your start and first night at camp! Looking forward to seeing your updates throughout the adventure! Thanks so much for sharing your vision of this journey! Be safe and have fun 🙂
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The stars are your roof and the earth is both your path, bed, and doorstep. It’s all right at your fingertips and stretches as far as you can imagine. You are home; and there might be no greater feeling than finding home anywhere.
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❤ So very true! Thanks, friend!
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I get so excited to hear youve posted something… I check my emailboften in the day…. I have no idea who you are yet I feelnlike Im right along side you and its surreal even for me to actually follow along your everyday….. Amazing! I hope you sleep well! Take care, stacey from Arkansas
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Aww, thank you, sweet girl! I love your enthusiasm and happiness for me! You’re such a lovely human!
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I’m a PCT trail crew leader working in far N. Ca. (hope to meet you as you pass thru our section). But I’m also quite electronically challenged and am wondering how you are able to post to your blog while on the trail? Sounds like something I’d like to know how to do… although I’m guessing it might be by using a cell phone… which I don’t have.
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Via cellphone when I get to town, mostly. I rarely have service on the trail. Where in northern CA are you?
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Trinity Alps Wilderness, Russian Wilderness and Marble Mountain Wilderness … to the North of Castle Crags and south of the Klamath River/Seiad.
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Don’t know much about that part of CA yet!
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Your package should be waiting for you at the paradise cafe. Good luck and God speed!
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Awesome! Thank you so much!
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I’ve been using a water bottle in the meantime because it actually attaches to my filter without a problem. A good pouch will be so handy!
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I’m a Seattle gal who stumbled upon your blog via the PNW Outdoor Women group. Your writing is beautiful. Safe travels, and I’ll be following along!
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Aw, thank you!
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